Vectron locomotives 230 km/h approval for passenger trains

Vectron locomotives 230 km/h approval from ERA allows Siemens Mobility Vectron to haul trains up to 230 km/h; Siemens says it is the first modern locomotive certified for commercial passenger services at that speed, in a Siemens Mobility press release.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

ERA authorization and where it applies

For now, the ERA authorization applies in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary, with Denmark to be included at a later date. The same six-country scope is also described by Railway Supply. Siemens Mobility says the decision sets a new benchmark for the Siemens Mobility Vectron platform and broadens its use in international passenger transport, including high-speed cross-border routes.

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České dráhy (ČD) and the Vectron MS multisystem locomotives

České dráhy (ČD) is the first operator expected to benefit from the approval, having ordered 50 Vectron MS multisystem locomotives. Deliveries are already underway, and entry into service is scheduled for January 1, 2026, alongside the newly approved 230 km/h passenger services certification, as reported by Railway Pro.

ETCS Baseline 3.6, Trainguard 200 and the technical changes

To run at the higher speed, the locomotives are equipped with the European Train Control System ETCS Baseline 3.6, using the Siemens Trainguard 200 solution for on-board equipment. They also include the national train protection systems required for operation in each of the authorized countries. Siemens Mobility says the move to 230 km/h was delivered within the Vectron modular architecture with minimal technical modifications, with the main adaptation consisting of adjusting the transmission ratio without major changes to the basic platform.

A proven Vectron fleet across Europe

Siemens Mobility notes that Vectron locomotives are already in broad use across Europe. More than 2,800 units have been sold to over 110 customers, with the fleet accumulating around 1.3 billion kilometers in commercial operation. The company adds that Vectron locomotives are authorized for operation in 20 European countries in both freight and passenger transport.

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