Rail Cargo Hungaria Launches Hybrid Locomotives from China for Operations in Hungary

Rail Cargo Hungaria, part of Austria’s OBB, received approval to operate two hybrid locomotives from CRRC. These Class 461 locomotives were manufactured at the CRRC plant in Zhuzhou, China. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Each Class 461 locomotive has a hybrid drive system, providing 850 kW from the contact network and 350 kW from lithium-titanate batteries.

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Over three years of testing, these locomotives traveled 40,000 kilometers, proving their reliability and efficiency. Meanwhile, CRRC continues testing its Bison mainline electric locomotive, intended for operation on Hungary’s national railway network.

Rail Cargo Hungaria Leases CRRC Hybrid Locomotives for Four Years

Rail Cargo Hungaria signed a four-year lease agreement with CRRC for these locomotives, and CEO Imre Kovach told Vilaggazdasag that the company is considering ordering 22 more locomotives. Four of these may be produced within Hungary. Additionally, reports this year suggest that CRRC may start assembling rolling stock in Hungary, strengthening bilateral cooperation and creating local jobs.

CRRC is expanding its presence in the European market, delivering locomotives to Germany, Austria, North Macedonia, and Serbia. To enhance its influence in Europe, CRRC acquired the Vossloh plant in Germany in 2020 for €10 million, enabling faster production and an expanded product lineup.

The Vossloh plant, now owned by CRRC, continues receiving orders for innovative railway technology. With CRRC’s growing activity in Europe, the European Union introduced additional regulations in 2023, aimed at controlling industrial asset purchases and sales.

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