News and Insights
European Loc Pool is once again groundbreaking: significantly higher loads possible!
Frauenfeld, April, 28, 2023
European Loc Pool has once again pushed the boundaries and carried out tests in March 2023 to optimize loads of Stadler EuroDual and Euro9000 locomotives. These tests successfully demonstrated the performance of the locomotives and now enable significantly higher loading capacities for all operators of the locomotives in Austria.
From March 8th to 24th, 2023, load capacity tests were conducted on the Tauern Nordrampe under the leadership of European Loc Pool and Chem Cargo Consult, in cooperation with Stadler Valencia, Lokomotion, ABB, and the measuring group of ÖBB Infra. Additionally, the support of ECCO Rail and Rail Force One were instrumental to be able to run these important load tests.
The significantly increased performance of the EuroDual and Euro9000 locomotives was demonstrated. The Co’Co’-locomotives with their six axles have significantly higher traction and can move much more load when starting.
Thanks to the committed participation of all partners, not only the performance of the locomotives was demonstrated, but further optimizations were also made.
During the tests, water was added to simulate bad weather conditions. It was shown that the two locomotives significantly exceeded the pulling power under adverse conditions. The maximum pulling power could also be achieved under these conditions.
Willem Goosen, CEO of ELP, explains: “ELP is proud to have once again pushed the boundaries with these successful tests, demonstrating the excellent performance of our locomotives as well as the commitment of our team and partners. The up to 40% more loading capacity will greatly improve the efficiency of our customers and offer future-oriented solutions. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to explore future optimization possibilities.”
“The test drives in Austria have exceeded our expectations. We are now celebrating the first locomotive that is allowed to tow over 3,000 tons in single traction in Austria, according to ÖBB Infra load tables. Under all weather conditions, the results are outstanding,” adds Stefan Hofstetter, CTO of ELP. “We are proud to strengthen our position as an innovation leader.”
The results are currently being converted into load capacities and will be made available to operators. At the same time, further optimization potentials have been pursued and discovered, which will now be further examined by manufacturers and component suppliers and incorporated into future improvements.
With up to 40% more load capacities compared to standard Bo’Bo’ locomotives, ELP is once again setting standards in the industry.
More about the hybrid locomotives
ELP focuses on innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives with a power output of up to 2.8 MW diesel, 9 MW electric and a traction capacity of 500 kN. As standard, all vehicles are equipped with ETCS Baseline 3 for Level 2 operations. The first ELP EuroDual locomotives have been in service on the German rail network since April 2020. They enable operation on electrified and non-electrified lines as well as load-mile and shunting operations. All dual locomotives are equipped with radio remote control.
Starting in mid-2023, the second generation of ELP’s dual locomotives, the Euro9000, will be put into service as a hybrid multi-system electric locomotive designed for use in all European corridors. As the “launching customer,” European Loc Pool ordered the first ten Euro9000 locomotives from Stadler in May 2019. The first version with 1.9 MW of diesel and 9 MW of electric power at 500 kN tractive effort will be used in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland. Subsequently, the locomotive’s area of operation will be expanded to other countries and corridors.
About ELP
European Loc Pool (ELP) is a young, innovative leasing company for locomotives and was founded in May 2018. The company is headquartered in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. ELP ordered the first EuroDual locomotives in the third quarter of 2018 Since then, ELP has signed a framework agreement with Stadler for 100 Co’Co’ hybrid locomotives. From this agreement, 85 locomotives have already been leased under long-term full-service contracts with more than 30 operators in six countries. ELP targets rail operators and logistics companies across Europe and focuses on new innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives. ELP’s full-service leasing includes a comprehensive maintenance and insurance offer as well as the possibility to customise the exterior of the locomotives.
ELP is committed to sustainability and utilise advanced technology to reduce their environmental impact while improving operational performance. ELP’s experienced team of professionals prioritises safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness to exceed customer expectations.
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Press contact ELP:
Henrike Wilkens
Marketing & Communications