While a train is being formed, the locomotive that is to pull it often has to take up an idle position before it is coupled up and allowed to depart. An automatic start-stop system for locomotives ensures that they do not consume unnecessary amounts of diesel, thereby cutting pollution and waste. Just as in a car, the engine turns off when idling so that the diesel stops flowing. Locomotives fitted with this technology cut fuel consumption by about five percent.
Around 380 shunting locomotives at DB Cargo have been fitted with this modern automatic stop-start technology and all of our new vehicles will be equipped with it too, right from the manufacturing plant.
