Siemens Mobility Vectron locomotives have been authorized by the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) to operate passenger trains at speeds of up to 230 km/h, making them the first modern locomotives to obtain such certification for commercial passenger services.
The authorization is currently valid for Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary, with Denmark to be included at a later date.
The first operator to benefit from this approval is České dráhy (ČD), which has ordered 50 Vectron MS multisystem locomotives.
Deliveries are already underway, and entry into service is scheduled for January 1, 2026.
ERA authorization for 230 km/h in passenger services
According to Siemens Mobility, the authorization sets a new benchmark for the Vectron platform, significantly expanding the locomotive’s scope of use in international passenger transport, including high-speed cross-border routes.
The locomotives are equipped with the European Train Control System ETCS Baseline 3.6, using the Siemens Trainguard 200 solution for on-board equipment, as well as the national train protection systems required for operation in each of the authorized countries.
Minimal technical modifications
The extension of the maximum speed to 230 km/h was achieved within the Vectron modular architecture with limited technical modifications.
The main adaptation consisted of adjusting the transmission ratio without major changes to the basic platform.
A proven platform at European level
To date, Siemens Mobility has sold more than 2,800 Vectron locomotives to more than 110 customers, with the fleet accumulating approximately 1.3 billion kilometers in commercial operation.
Vectron locomotives are authorized for operation in 20 European countries, both in freight and passenger transport.
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