Stadler and SBB present state-of-the-art hybrid locomotive
September 21, 2012 | by Stadler Bussnang AG
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September 21, 2012, Efficient, environmentally friendly wagon-load freight Today, at the InnoTrans trade fair in Berlin, Nicolas Perrin, CEO of SBB Cargo, and Peter Spuhler, CEO and owner of Stadler Rail Group, presented the most modern hybrid locomotive anywhere in the world. It enables more environmentally friendly and ecological wagon-load freight. SBB Cargo has ordered 30 of these locomotives from Stadler Rail and plans to use them both on routes and for shunting operations.
The first of these type Eem 923 hybrid locomotives has been successfully in service for SBB Cargo since March 2012. “We made a conscious decision to go for a future-oriented vehicle that combines economic and ecological benefits in the long term,” reported Nicolas Perrin, CEO of SBB Cargo, at the presentation in Berlin. Together with Peter Spuhler, CEO and owner of the manufacturer, Stadler Rail Group, he showcased the benefits of this world first to the international industry professionals. “I am proud that this innovative locomotive allows us to efficiently combine sustainability and economy. This means we are setting a new standard in the market,” explained Peter Spuhler, going on to say that SBB Cargo will be taking on a pioneering role in the European rail freight market. The 30 vehicles ordered are currently being delivered at three-week intervals, with the last due by the end of 2013. The total order volume is CHF 88 million, including a spare-parts package.
Increased efficiency, sustainability and economy
The new hybrid locomotive will allow optimum fulfilment of future customer needs in the Swiss wagon-load freight industry. The Eem 923 combines efficiency and sustainability with economy. Thanks to the new purchase, SBB Cargo can decommission some old vehicles and reduce vehicle variety, which enables more economical operation and maintenance of the entire fleet.
The new hybrid locomotive also meets SBB Cargo’s specifications in terms of the environment. Its high 1500-kilowatt performance makes it suitable both for route transit and for shunting. This gives SBB Cargo more flexibility in production. The driver can switch quickly between electric and diesel auxiliary drives. This saves time and money, as complicated locomotive changes are no longer required to cover the last mile of non- electrified connection tracks. The operating and maintenance costs of the hybrid locomotive are also considerably below those for the old shunting fleet – at the same time, SBB Cargo is expecting considerably improved vehicle availability.
The Eem 923 hybrid locomotive operates mainly on electric power (over 90 per cent). It is only on connecting tracks without an overhead line that the auxiliary diesel engine is used. This will enable SBB Cargo to save more than 4,000 tonnes of CO2 per year compared to its current figures.
Media Contact:
Stadler Rail Group Press office Tel. 071 626 31 57 pressestelle@stadlerrail.com
SBB Media Centre Press office Tel. 051 220 41 11 press@sbb.ch
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Source: Stadler Bussnang AG, Press release