Stadler Eurolight
| Industry | Railway rolling stock manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1942 |
| Headquarters | Bussnang , Switzerland |
| Products | Railway locomotives, including the Eurolight series |
| Website | www |
The Stadler Eurolight—formerly recognized as the Vossloh Eurolight until 2015—is a series of 4-axle Bo'Bo' diesel-electric mainline locomotives engineered for both passenger and freight operations. These locomotives feature axle loads under 20 tonnes and are produced by Stadler Rail.
Initially unveiled by Vossloh in 2009, the prototype units underwent testing starting in 2010. The Eurolight was specifically crafted to perform efficiently on secondary railway lines without sacrificing power or speed, making it well-suited for mixed-traffic duties. Among its variants are the 6-axle Co'Co' UKLight designed for the UK market and the AsiaLight model tailored for narrow gauge railways in Asia. Furthermore, an electro-diesel version derived from the UKLight platform—the Stadler Euro Dual—was launched in the late 2010s.
Background and design
In 2009, Vossloh revealed its intention to broaden its diesel locomotive portfolio by introducing additional shunting and light mainline models equipped with either hydraulic or electric transmissions. Concurrently, it planned to develop a mainline diesel-electric locomotive (EURO Light) targeting markets demanding axle loads below 20 tonnes. The four-axle Eurolight was engineered to facilitate cross-border services on non-electrified secondary European routes, allowing operators to circumvent congestion on primary corridors. Its design supports mixed-traffic applications, capable of hauling both passenger and freight trains.
This locomotive incorporates numerous components from the Vossloh Euro series, which operates at a 22-tonne axle load, but distinguishes itself by utilizing a Caterpillar C175 engine (available in 12- or 16-cylinder configurations with outputs of 2.3 or 2.8 MW) alongside ABB traction systems. Weight reduction was achieved through employing a lighter engine and alternator assembly as well as auxiliary systems. The bogies, similar to those used in RENFE Class 334 locomotives, feature coil spring suspension. Wherever feasible, aluminium has been substituted for steel within engine and traction system parts to further decrease mass.
For enhanced operational efficiency, the CAT engine is equipped with electronically controlled fuel injectors calibrated according to load, speed, temperature, and fuel quality parameters. A stop-start automation minimizes fuel consumption by shutting down the engine during idle periods; however, drivers retain the option to disable this function. Additional features include turbocharging, after-cooling mechanisms, and telemetry for continuous performance tracking. Major maintenance intervals are set at every 18,000 operating hours, reducing frequency of depot visits.
The CAT powerplant complies with European Stage IIIA emission regulations and can be upgraded to meet the stricter 2012 IIIB standards by fitting a diesel particulate filter. Adapting the design to conform with stringent loading gauges—such as those in the UK—may necessitate structural modifications. Both the engine and traction equipment are mounted on the frame with flexible isolation systems to lower unsprung mass.
ABB provides a six-pole brushless WGX560 synchronous alternator directly coupled to the CAT engine shaft. This alternator supplies power to two ABB Bordline CC1500 DE Compact Converters, each comprising rectifiers that produce an intermediate DC link, braking choppers, and drive electronics (AC800 PEC) that manage two traction inverters plus one auxiliary inverter per unit. The traction motors operate at up to 4,400 rpm delivering substantial power output. The drive control system incorporates fault detection alongside anti-slip technology augmented by automated sanding devices. Passenger variants receive head-end power from the intermediate DC link, which also facilitates dynamic braking capabilities combining rheostatic and disc brakes.
The inaugural Eurolight model was showcased at InnoTrans in Berlin in 2010. Its modular architecture enables customization options such as increased maximum speeds, expanded fuel tank capacity, or adaptations for restrictive loading gauges. Versions compatible with broad gauge and narrow gauge railways are available, including a long-range fuel capacity variant. Additionally, the electro-diesel Stadler Euro Dual shares extensive design elements—including body shell structure, braking systems, bogies, traction equipment, and software—with the Eurolight family.
European Mainland - EuroLight
At the start of 2010, two prototype units, designated 248.001 and 248.002, were constructed, with the latter displayed at Innotrans. Homologation trials for 248.001 commenced in Germany in January 2011. The performance metrics gathered from these prototypes were shared with prospective operators to assess the EuroLight's operational potential.
In July 2015, the Italian company Dinazzano Po placed an order for a single unit, which began freight operations in April 2018. Later, on 31 July 2019, the Spanish infrastructure firm ADIF procured 22 EuroLight locomotives intended for rescue duties; these models adhere to European Stage IIIB emissions regulations and incorporate modernized design features.
United Kingdom - UKLight
On 5 January 2012, Direct Rail Services (DRS) secured a contract for fifteen UK-specific EuroLight locomotives, referred to as UKLIGHT, powered by 2.8 MW C175-16 engines suited for intermodal and passenger transport, with options to expand the order. Tailored to fit the UK's reduced loading gauge, these locomotives were built at Vossloh España in Valencia, Spain, with delivery anticipated by late 2013. The agreement was valued at around £45 million.
The Class 68 locomotive's design and livery were revealed early in 2013. By May of that year, assembly had started, followed by testing at the Velim test track; UK certification was expected by September or October 2013. By December, unit 68001 was undergoing trials at Velim, while unit 68002 was finalized at Albuixech.
In January 2014, the initial locomotive, 68002 Intrepid, was transported to Southampton before relocating to Carlisle for testing commencing in February along the Carlisle-Crewe route. In September 2014, DRS and BeaconRail exercised an option to acquire ten more UKLight units; an additional seven were ordered in July 2015.
Asia - AsiaLight
The AsiaLight model is a narrow-gauge (1000 mm to 1067 mm) six-axle Co'Co' locomotive typically weighing approximately 96 tons. It offers engine outputs ranging from 1800 to 2800 kW at 1,800 rpm, depending on whether it is equipped with a 12- or 16-cylinder engine from CAT, Cummins, or MTU. The locomotive can reach speeds up to 120 km/h and provides a starting tractive effort of 320 kN.
In October 2019, Stadler secured its first significant contract in the Asia Pacific region when Taiwan Railway Administration awarded a €165 million deal for the supply of 34 AsiaLight locomotives.
See also
- Vossloh Euro Dual – A comparable electro-diesel locomotive.