To transport freight directly to customers’ rail sidings, conventional diesel locomotives are still necessary in some cases. To make this “last mile” more climate-friendly, Deutsche Bahn uses so-called dual-power locomotives. 

Double propulsion, double benefit 

Dual-power locomotives operate electrically on electrified lines, and switch to diesel on non-electrified routes — without needing a locomotive change. This allows the locomotives to serve both as mainline locomotives for heavy transfer runs and as shunting locomotives. The result: reduced diesel consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and less noise.

Large and powerful 

The new dual-power locomotives are intended to become a central component of DB Cargo’s freight fleet. For this purpose, DB has signed a framework agreement with Siemens Mobility. Initially, around 150 locomotives were ordered. By the end of 2024, more than 30 had already been delivered to strengthen the fleet.

In addition, Deutsche Bahn is working on fueling its diesel fleet with alternative fuels. DB Cargo has already tested and approved the use of the biofuel HVO for its entire fleet of shunting and mainline diesel locomotives in freight transport across Germany.