Stadler Euro Dual
| Industry | Railway rolling stock manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | MACOSA / Vossloh España |
| Headquarters | Valencia , Spain |
| Products | Electro-diesel locomotives (EuroDual) |
The Stadler EuroDual—known as the Vossloh España Euro Dual until 2015—is a line of electro-diesel locomotives with dual power capabilities, manufactured initially by MACOSA#Stadler Rail Valencia and subsequently by Stadler Rail Valencia. In contrast to conventional dual mode locomotives that use low-powered diesel engines primarily for limited 'last mile' operations, the EuroDual is equipped with diesel engines suitable for mainline service.
Introduced by Vossloh in 2012, the EuroDual shares significant design elements with the single-mode Stadler Eurolight series. It offers extensive customization options, including various engine sizes and an optional tri-mode configuration that incorporates battery packs. The product line includes three primary versions tailored to different regions: the UKDual for the United Kingdom, the PrasaDual for South Africa, and a non-branded variant intended for Germany. By the end of 2019, Stadler had produced 30 units, with total orders reaching 74 locomotives across these models.
Background
At the 2012 Innotrans exhibition, Vossloh unveiled its dual mode locomotive portfolio, which included the Vossloh DM30 concept based on the Vossloh DE 18, alongside the EuroDual models derived from its diesel Euro 4000 and EuroLight families. The EuroDual shares numerous design components—such as the bodyshell, braking systems, bogies, traction equipment, and control software—with the Eurolight series. Initial specifications described a Co'Co' configuration locomotive delivering 5MW of electrical power and diesel output, with axle loads ranging from . Subsequent contracts for the UK and South Africa specified Bo-Bo wheel arrangements. At Innotrans 2018, Stadler presented an updated EuroDual lineup featuring variants marketed as UKDual, PrasaDual, and a Co-Co wheel arrangement model.
Unlike traditional dual mode locomotives intended mainly for restricted 'last mile' diesel operation, the EuroDual series provides full capability in both electric and diesel modes. Designed to manage heavy freight tasks, it serves as a replacement for the Euro 4000 model, which is being retired due to its inability to meet European Stage IIIA emission standards. Suitable for both passenger and freight applications, it achieves maximum speeds up to . The market for dual mode locomotives is growing as demand for pure diesel units diminishes.
The EuroDual platform is highly modular, allowing adaptation to different track gauges, electrical voltage systems, and diesel engine power outputs according to customer requirements. Its bodyshell supports this adaptability with minimal alterations. Certain models feature tri-mode functionality, enabling operation under overhead electric power, diesel propulsion, or battery energy. Incorporating batteries enhances starting tractive effort—raising it to approximately 500kN—and supports regenerative braking to improve overall efficiency.
Direct Rail Services
In September 2013, UK rail operator Direct Rail Services placed an order for ten EuroDual locomotives equipped with a engine and 4MW electrical systems (25kV AC). These units were classified as ClassTemplate:NNBSP88 and evolved from the Class 68 (Stadler UKLight) diesel locomotives introduced by DRS in 2014. They share components such as bodyshells, cabs, braking systems, bogies, traction equipment, and control software.[1] The installed diesel engine is a Caterpillar C27 compliant with European IIIB emissions standards, distinguishing it from the Class 68’s engine.[2]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
In April 2016, one of these units underwent testing at the Velim railway test circuit.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Rail Operations Group
In January 2021, Rail Operations Group placed an order for 30 Class 93 locomotives, with the initial ten units expected to be delivered in 2023. These tri-mode locomotives are equipped with a battery system that enables operation without activating the diesel engine when running off overhead electrification, setting them apart from the earlier Class 88 models.
GB Railfreight
On 29 April 2022, GB Railfreight revealed its purchase of 30 new Class 99 locomotives, with funding provided by Beacon Rail.
France
Following successful manufacturer testing, the prototype Euro Dual was acquired by French operator VFLI, who installed France-specific safety equipment before placing it into active service.
South Africa
In October 2013, Swifambo Rail Leasing secured a €250 million contract for 50 Euro Dual and 20 Euro 4000 diesel locomotives to lease to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) for use on Shosholoza Meyl routes. These Bo-Bo configured locomotives offered diesel propulsion and a maximum speed of .
By late 2015, PRASA attempted to cancel the agreement concerning the Afro4000 and Euro-Dual units and sought reimbursement of R2.65 billion already expended. Major concerns centered on the locomotives exceeding the network loading gauge—measuring 4.14 metres in height compared to the 3.965 metres allowed by infrastructure manager Transnet. PRASA also questioned Swifambo’s qualifications and certifications, alleging non-compliance with procurement requirements for railway equipment suppliers.
Germany
In 2017, German rail operator Havelländische Eisenbahn (HVLE) became the inaugural customer for Stadler’s Euro Dual, ordering ten locomotives with an option for an additional ten. Known as Class 159 in Germany, these six-axle units deliver up to 7 MW in electric mode and 3 MW under diesel power, featuring a starting tractive effort of up to 500 kN and a maximum speed of 160 km/h. They incorporate AC traction motors with IGBT converters on each axle and are powered by a CAT C175-16 diesel engine rated at 2800 kW compliant with Stage IIIB emissions standards. Fully compliant with TSI regulations, they are fitted with ETCS Baseline 3 as well as legacy PZB safety systems. The first three locomotives were delivered in 2018 and commenced homologation processes; commercial operations began in May 2020.
Subsequently, Swiss rolling stock lessor European Loc Pool (ELP) placed an order for 30 Euro Duals with options for up to 70 additional units. The initial fleet was set up exclusively for German routes, limited to speeds of 120 km/h but capable of being re-geared for operation at 160 km/h. Later in 2018, German rail company ITL Eisenbahngesellschaft ordered ten Euro Dual locomotives intended for service within Germany.
Bolivia
In February 2018, Bolivian rail operator Ferroviaria Andina procured three Stadler SALi locomotives—based on the Euro Dual platform but modified for metre-gauge tracks.
Tanzania
Tanzania Railways Corporation placed an order for six Euro Dual locomotives in January 2020 intended for deployment on the Tanzania Standard Gauge Railway.
Turkey
In 2019, Turkish open access operator Körfez Ulaştırma ordered seven Euro Dual locomotives designed to haul oil trains weighing up to 2,000 tonnes. Stadler is also responsible for providing full maintenance services for this fleet.
Spain
In 2022, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya received five locomotives inspired by the Bolivian SALi design. These metre-gauge machines, classified as the 257 series, were manufactured at Stadler's facility in Albuixech. They are primarily employed in freight services, hauling potash and vehicles along the Llobregat-Anoia line.
See also
- Stadler Eurolight – a comparable diesel locomotive