DB Schenker Subsidiary Signs Contract to Test Hybrid Locomotive

DB Schenker Rail's subsidiary has entered into an agreement with Alstom to test locomotives equipped with a hybrid drive system.

DB's subsidiary, Mitteldeutsche Eisenbahngesellschaft (MEG), is to lease five hybrid-switching locomotives from Alstom for deployment with Dow Olefinverbund in Germany.

The agreement includes an option to purchase the low-consumption hybrid-switching locomotive at a later date.

The acquisition of the locomotives by MEG marks the beginning of the use of hybrid locomotives for rail freight operations in Europe.

Using a small 250kW diesel generator, the locomotive delivers a maximum power output of 600kW.

The prototype has been undergoing continuous testing in normal day-to-day operations since July this year.

Other vehicles upgraded with the technology will be launched by the end of 2011.