Siemens Mobility’s Vectron becomes first modern locomotive authorised for 230 km/h international passenger service

Credit: Siemens Mobility

Siemens Mobility’s Vectron locomotive has received authorisation from the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) for passenger service at speeds of up to 230 km/h, making it the first modern locomotive with this approval. The authorisation covers Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary, with Denmark expected to follow at a later date.

The first operator to benefit from the approval is the Czech rail company České dráhy (ČD), which ordered 50 Vectron MS multisystem locomotives in early 2022. Deliveries are already underway, with entry into service planned from 1 January 2026.

“This authorisation sets a new benchmark: Vectron is the first modern locomotive authorised for passenger service at speeds of up to 230 km/h,” said Steffen Bobsien, Vice President Locomotives and Passenger Coaches at Siemens Mobility. “We are proud of this achievement, as it significantly expands the application range of our proven platform in international passenger transport and gives operators new options for fast cross-border services.”

The locomotives are equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS) Baseline 3.6, using Siemens Mobility’s Trainguard 200 ETCS on-board unit. They also include the respective national train protection systems required to operate in the authorised countries. The Vectron’s modular platform allows the speed range to be expanded with minimal effort, with the main technical adjustment involving the gear ratio.

Siemens Mobility has sold more than 2,800 Vectron locomotives to over 110 customers, covering approximately 1.3 billion kilometres in service. Vectron-based locomotives have been approved for operation in 20 European countries, establishing the platform as a flexible solution for both freight and passenger operations across Europe.