Hybrid locomotives expand low-emission rail freight operations
NEXRAIL and Vossloh Rolling Stock extend their cooperation with an order for additional DE18 Smart Hybrid locomotives to support cross-border, non-electrified rail services.
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NEXRAIL has placed an order for 20 additional DE18 Stage V Smart Hybrid locomotives with Vossloh Rolling Stock, expanding its hybrid fleet to a total of 50 units. Delivery of the new locomotives is scheduled for 2027. The agreement strengthens the partners’ collaboration in providing modern, low-emission traction solutions for European rail freight operators working on non-electrified and mixed-traffic routes.
Context of the cooperation
Rail freight operators across Europe face increasing pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining operational flexibility on networks that are only partially electrified. Hybrid locomotives offer a transitional solution by combining efficient diesel traction with battery-based operation, reducing fuel consumption and emissions without requiring immediate infrastructure changes.
NEXRAIL’s fleet strategy focuses on supplying interoperable locomotives that can operate across multiple national networks. The expanded order reflects growing demand for hybrid traction capable of meeting evolving regulatory and infrastructure requirements.
Technical solution and responsibilities
The DE18 Smart Hybrid is a four-axle, mid-cab locomotive rated at 1,800 kW, compliant with Stage V emissions standards. It combines a fuel-efficient diesel engine with a traction battery system, enabling flexible use in shunting, regional mainline services, track construction, and rescue operations.
For the new batch, the traction battery capacity has been increased to 106 kWh, supporting more than one hour of emission-free, low-speed operation. The battery also functions as an extended start-stop system, delivering fuel savings in the range of 15–40% depending on operational profiles.
Vossloh Rolling Stock is responsible for manufacturing and technical integration, while NEXRAIL manages fleet deployment and customer operations across multiple European markets.
Homologation and cross-border readiness
The 2027 delivery will feature upgraded homologation, including ETCS Level 2 (Baseline 3.6) and Germany’s PZB system, in addition to existing approvals for Belgium, France, and Luxembourg. This upgrade is particularly relevant for Belgium, where the rail network is scheduled to transition to ETCS-only operation by the end of 2027.
Germany will be added to the multi-country homologation package. For German operations, where driving from the left is standard, NEXRAIL plans to integrate a camera-based visibility system to support safe operation. All existing NEXRAIL locomotives are expected to be upgraded to the expanded homologation standard during 2027.
Applications and expected impact
The enlarged DE18 Smart Hybrid fleet will support rail freight operators seeking efficient traction for first- and last-mile operations on non-electrified lines, cross-border services, and infrastructure-related activities. By reducing fuel consumption and enabling zero-emission operation in sensitive areas, the locomotives contribute to lower environmental impact while maintaining operational independence.
The cooperation between NEXRAIL and Vossloh Rolling Stock demonstrates how hybrid traction, combined with forward-looking homologation strategies, can support the modernization of European rail freight in parallel with ongoing infrastructure investments.
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