EURO9000 is the latest member of the Stadler family of locomotives and will be revealed for the first time at the transport technology event, InnoTrans.

Presenting for the very first time, its new generation of Co’Co’ locomotives with European LocPool (ELP), the EURO9000 is an example of Stadler’s innovation and ongoing commitment to sustainable operation.

The powerful locomotive is suitable for usage on a number of rail freight corridors which usually require two locomotives and to date has seen ELP purchase thirty of the locomotives which will see full-service lease agreements to rail freight operators in several different countries across Europe. The purchases are part of a framework agreed between the two companies for at least 100 locomotives.

ELP’s first customer for the EURO9000 locomotives is Rail Force One who has signed the first Full-Service Lease Agreement and will see the locomotives used to haul heavy cargo trains across borders throughout Europe from the middle of 2023.

EURO9000 is an impressive and powerful multisystem locomotive which can run on both AC and DC electrified lines and also feature a unique electronic door locking system, laterally mounted shunting controls in every cabin and radio remote control. It also features two 950 kW Stage V diesel engines, which can operate using HVO diesel which provides CO₂ neutral operations when running on non-electrified track sections as well as when shunting in sidings and rail freight. The engines are low emission and can increase extra power when under 3 kV DC catenary.

Intended for operation on international routes along main European corridors, the TSI- compliant EURO9000 can accommodate several country packages such as conventional automatic train control systems, ETCS with the basic configuration for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium will soon see other countries added.

The EURO9000 with 9 MW of power and 500 kN of tractive effort, marks the most powerful electric locomotive available on the European market and is able to carry out operations which usually require two locomotives and can mean a higher payload with reduced traction costs.

As the latest member of Stadler’s EURO Co’Co’ locomotive family, the amazing EURO9000 features all the same quality performance, compact design and lightweight monocoque structure and also features the most up-to-date bogie technology. EURO9000 provides a high standard of comfort, safety and visibility for drivers. The locomotive can also be easily modified/updates in the future and its car body design also allows means that hybrid couplers and digital automatic couplers can be installed.

As technologies play a vital role in cutting energy usage, reducing emissions and achieving the EU’s target of climate neutral for 2050, the EURO9000’s modular design allows for the installation of up to three kinds of on-board propulsion systems (electric, diesel and/or batteries) to cover operational needs on electrified and non-electrified routes. Further cutting-edge features that reduce energy consumption and emissions include regenerative braking for energy recovery as well as an efficient AC traction system with one inverter per axle.

Iñigo Parra, CEO Stadler Valencia, says: “Stadler is taking a step forward in response to the challenges posed by rail freight transport. The EURO9000 offers rail operators an interoperable multi-system electric locomotive that enables high-speed and cross-border operations through European corridors with mixed traffic and the transport of longer and heavier trains with a single locomotive.”

Willem Goosen, CEO of European Loc Pool, says: “The Euro9000 locomotive is clearly the “Next-Generation-Locomotive” on the European Rail Freight Market. It will bring some long-needed innovation to freight operations on rail, enabling our customers to carry out their transport agreements efficiently and productively. ELP is very proud to have been part of the foundation of this new locomotive and to have been able to contribute significantly to the further development of this innovative concept.”