Stadler’s new hybrid locomotive cuts diesel use in freight
Stadler has unveiled a new panto-battery version of its EURO9000 locomotive, giving operators the ability to move heavy freight trains across partially electrified routes without using diesel. Leasing company Nexrail has placed an order for up to 200 units, positioning the hybrid design for corridor-wide deployment on routes where electrification is still incomplete.
The concept combines up to 9 MW of power from overhead lines with around 1.2 MW of high-performance battery capacity for low-speed movements and shorter non-electrified sections. On main routes the locomotive runs as a pure electric, then switches to battery in terminals, sidings, ports and short gaps in the catenary where no overhead power is available. By removing diesel from these segments, operators can plan continuous electric paths across borders without locomotive changes — and without waiting for every kilometre of the network to be wired.
A cleaner option for Europe’s freight corridors
The new variant is based on the six-axle EURO9000 platform built in Valencia and equipped for operation under multiple voltage systems, enabling use on core North–South corridors linking Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Italy. Nexrail will offer the locomotives across these markets, with Hamburger Rail Service (HRS) named as launch customer from 2029.
Sector commentators frame the locomotive as one of Europe’s first emission-free battery–pantograph corridor designs able to run from terminal to terminal, but real-world impact will depend on how quickly fleets are deployed and how national frameworks treat zero-emission traction in access charging and support schemes.
For operators, the immediate value lies in reduced diesel use, fewer locomotive changes and better utilisation of existing electrification. Over time, the EURO9000 panto-battery hybrid could act as a bridge technology: accelerating the shift to electric freight while policy-makers and infrastructure managers work through the slower task of completing full network electrification.
Factsheet:
Model: EURO9000 panto-battery hybrid (Co’Co’)
Manufacturer: Stadler Valencia
Overhead power: ~9 MW
Battery power: ~1.2 MW
Use cases: terminals, sidings, ports and short non-electrified gaps in otherwise electrified corridors
Environmental role: replaces diesel on last-mile and short non-electrified segments
Customer: Nexrail (leasing), order for up to 200 units; launch operator HRS
Delivery horizon: from ~2029