Nexrail and Vossloh expand DE18 Smart Hybrid fleet to support low-emission freight across Europe

Credit: NEXRAIL

NEXRAIL and Vossloh Rolling Stock have signed an agreement for 20 additional DE18 Stage V SmartHybrid locomotives, with delivery scheduled for 2027. The new locomotives will feature upgraded homologation, including ETCS Level 2 (BL3.6) and German PZB, alongside existing multi-country approvals for France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. With this order, NEXRAIL’s DE18 Smart Hybrid fleet will expand to 50 locomotives, strengthening its ability to provide modern, efficient, and low-emission traction solutions for rail freight operators across Europe, particularly on non-electrified lines.

The Vossloh DE18 Smart Hybrid is a universal four-axle mid-cab locomotive with a powerful 1,800 kW diesel engine that meets Stage V emission standards. An additional traction battery allows flexible operation for shunting, regional mainline services, track construction, and rescue operations. The upgraded 106 kWh battery enables more than an hour of emission-free, low-speed operation and functions as an extended start-stop system, reducing fuel consumption by 15 to 40 per cent depending on usage.

The 2027 DE18 Smart Hybrid will also feature ETCS Level 2 baseline 3.6, a key upgrade for Belgian operators, as the Belgian network will switch to ETCS-only operation by the end of 2027. Germany is added to the expanded homologation package, and the left cabin will include a dedicated camera system to enhance visibility. All NEXRAIL locomotives will be upgraded to this expanded homologation in 2027.

Luuk von Meijenfeldt, CEO of NEXRAIL, said: ‘’We are pleased that we can continue to service our clients in Western Europe, and now also in Germany, with new-build, low-emission hybrid locomotives. The investments in infrastructure, especially in Germany, require modern rolling stock.’’

Bart Smout, Managing Director of HSL Belgium, added: ‘’The DE18SH has provided us with a reliable and flexible solution for the first part of our operations in Belgium, allowing us to handle our initial movements more independently and efficiently. It has also helped reduce energy consumption when hauling heavy trains. NEXRAIL has supported us well during the integration of the locomotives into our operations.’’

This order represents a significant step in expanding NEXRAIL’s low-emission fleet and meeting the evolving needs of freight operators across multiple European networks.