EURODUAL locomotive
The EURODUAL is a dual-mode locomotive platform developed and manufactured by Stadler Rail. It is designed for freight and passenger operations on both electrified and non-electrified railway lines, combining electric and diesel traction in a single unit. The platform is part of a wider shift in European rail towards flexible, interoperable, and environmentally sustainable traction solutions.
History and Development
The EURODUAL project originated in the 2010s, responding to operators’ need for locomotives capable of bridging gaps in electrification while meeting EU emission standards. Stadler acquired the locomotive business from Vossloh España in 2015, with the Valencia plant becoming the centre of development and production.
The first EURODUAL units entered service in 2019 with Havelländische Eisenbahn (HVLE), a German freight operator. These initial deliveries marked the commercial launch of the platform in Europe.
Technical Characteristics
EURODUAL locomotives are built for dual-mode operation. Under overhead lines they operate as full electric units, while on non-electrified sections they switch to diesel engines. This allows continuous operation without changing locomotives, reducing delays and costs.
The platform offers high tractive power, making it suitable for heavy freight as well as passenger services. Variants include different power ratings and configurations, with later models such as the EURO9000 extending the concept to higher performance levels.
Market and Operations
EURODUAL locomotives are widely leased through European Loc Pool (ELP), a Swiss leasing company that bundles the locomotives with long-term service packages. This model supports smaller and mid-sized operators who lack resources for large capital investments.
The locomotives are now in service across several European countries, particularly Germany, France, and other markets where mixed electrification requires flexible traction. By 2025, more than 100 EURODUAL locomotives had been delivered.
Policy and Environmental Relevance
The EURODUAL reflects broader EU priorities on transport decarbonisation and interoperability. Dual-mode technology reduces dependence on diesel-only locomotives while enabling efficient cross-border operations along TEN-T corridors. Its deployment is aligned with the European Green Deal and the shift towards sustainable freight transport.