Class 193
Also known as:
Vectron
Vehicle type:
Registration country:
Railway companies:
2024
September 18
The recent framework contract signed by Alpha Trains for the
acquisition of 70 Siemens Vectron electric locomotives will
strengthen its position in the French market. The new locomotives
will begin operation on a major North-South European corridor
through France starting in the first half of 2027.
Based in Luxembourg, Alpha Trains presents itself as the largest private rolling stock lessor in continental Europe. The company has signed a framework agreement for the supply of up to 70x Siemens Vectron electric locomotives, with the first order including an initial batch of 35 locomotives. Depending on customer requirements, Alpha Trains can choose from various Vectron configurations, including multi-system and bimode units.
As of now, the Vectron, which has already been sold in over 2500 units, is not yet approved for use in France. Initial tests began in 2023 on the Réseau Ferré National (RFN) and are expected to lead to approval at the beginning of 2027. Equipped with all European signaling systems, including ETCS and KVB, the Vectron will also be approved to operate in Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Italy. The Vectron is particularly relevant for major freight corridors in Europe.
Vincent Pouyet, General Director of the Locomotives Division at Alpha Trains, states, "We have identified an alternative route through France to alleviate congestion and construction on the North-South corridor via the Right Bank of the Rhine. We are confident it will be widely used starting in the first half of 2027, the anticipated date for the first Vectron services. With its 6,400 kW of power and capability to operate under multiple voltage systems, this locomotive is set to become a key asset in North-South cross-border intermodal traffic." He adds that "there is significant market interest in this locomotive. Thus, we could sign initial leasing commitments with both French and foreign railway companies as early as 2025."
Alpha Trains is already familiar with the Vectron, operating a fleet of 72 units of this type. Their availability exceeds 96% thanks to a service contract managed by Alpha Trains and Siemens Mobility.
The company, however, does not rely solely on this model. It also operates a fleet of Stadler Euro 6000 and Euro 9000 locomotives. Fifteen of the 27 Euro 6000 units intended for deployment on cross-border routes between Spain, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg are already in service. Conversely, due to a lack of demand for the high-powered Euro 9000 locomotive (which features 9,000 kW of electric traction power and is also bimode), there are currently no plans for its approval in France.
Based in Luxembourg, Alpha Trains presents itself as the largest private rolling stock lessor in continental Europe. The company has signed a framework agreement for the supply of up to 70x Siemens Vectron electric locomotives, with the first order including an initial batch of 35 locomotives. Depending on customer requirements, Alpha Trains can choose from various Vectron configurations, including multi-system and bimode units.
As of now, the Vectron, which has already been sold in over 2500 units, is not yet approved for use in France. Initial tests began in 2023 on the Réseau Ferré National (RFN) and are expected to lead to approval at the beginning of 2027. Equipped with all European signaling systems, including ETCS and KVB, the Vectron will also be approved to operate in Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Italy. The Vectron is particularly relevant for major freight corridors in Europe.
Vincent Pouyet, General Director of the Locomotives Division at Alpha Trains, states, "We have identified an alternative route through France to alleviate congestion and construction on the North-South corridor via the Right Bank of the Rhine. We are confident it will be widely used starting in the first half of 2027, the anticipated date for the first Vectron services. With its 6,400 kW of power and capability to operate under multiple voltage systems, this locomotive is set to become a key asset in North-South cross-border intermodal traffic." He adds that "there is significant market interest in this locomotive. Thus, we could sign initial leasing commitments with both French and foreign railway companies as early as 2025."
Alpha Trains is already familiar with the Vectron, operating a fleet of 72 units of this type. Their availability exceeds 96% thanks to a service contract managed by Alpha Trains and Siemens Mobility.
The company, however, does not rely solely on this model. It also operates a fleet of Stadler Euro 6000 and Euro 9000 locomotives. Fifteen of the 27 Euro 6000 units intended for deployment on cross-border routes between Spain, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg are already in service. Conversely, due to a lack of demand for the high-powered Euro 9000 locomotive (which features 9,000 kW of electric traction power and is also bimode), there are currently no plans for its approval in France.
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Latest update on the 25th of February 2025 at 21:41
Contributor(s): Tudor C.
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