Nexrail proudly presented the first new DE18 Stage V Smart Hybrid locomotives to renowned European freight carriers and industry experts in a test-drive demonstration event in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, France, on June 20, 2024, after 3 years of designing, testing, and building.
The DE18 Stage V Smart Hybrid is the first diesel-battery hybrid heavy shunting locomotive. In 2021, Nexrail signed a framework agreement with Kiel (Germany)-based Vossloh Rolling Stock to deliver fifty of these hybrid locomotives over time. With this significant investment in innovative hybrid technology, Nexrail will make a substantial contribution to the future decarbonization of the European rail sector, the rollout of ETCS, and the modernization of the European shunting fleet.
Pioneering in sustainability and efficiency
The DE18 Stage V Smart Hybrid locomotive is the latest generation of the DE18 platform, combining a Stage V diesel engine with a power of 1,800 kW with a traction battery capacity of 74kWh, capable of delivering 560kW peak power. This hybrid technology makes it possible for operators to save fuel and CO2 of 20 to 30 percent. The combination of the powerful battery and the Stage V engine, which can run on HVO (bio)diesel, also reduces nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions up to 98 percent. Thanks to the battery it is possible to operate noise and emission-free for up to an hour, which is particularly important for railway construction. Equipped with ETCS and an upgrade option to level 2, the locomotive is suitable for various operations in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and Germany. Thanks to the latest technological developments, the DE18 Stage V Smart Hybrid is the most flexible locomotive of its kind, ideal for both heavy shunting and mainline and infrastructure tasks.
An important step towards zero emissions
The introduction of this hybrid locomotive, which already offers significant environmental, operational and cost benefits, is an important step towards a fossil-free and zero-emission future for the European rail network. It is no surprise that many rail carriers are interested in leasing a DE18 Stage V Smart Hybrid locomotive from Nexrail to support their own sustainability objectives.
Extensive order and support
Since 2021, Nexrail has significantly invested in modernizing its fleet. Considering the DE18 Stage V Smart Hybrids that will be delivered by the end of the year, the fleet will reach 130 locomotives. By November 2024, the approval of the DE18 Stage V Smart Hybrid will be completed. From that moment, Nexrail will lease these locomotives to major freight carriers in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and France.
After delivery, Nexrail will ensure superior maintenance performance using its in-house maintenance organization, as well as using its partner workshops in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. Strict monitoring and quality control by Nexrail will provide unparalleled service and reliability for customers in the region.
Financial support for future growth
In 2023, Nexrail obtained a sustainability-linked loan of EUR 322 million from a consortium of 10 European banks. This financing supports the further expansion and modernization of the leasing fleet, positioning Nexrail as a market leader in hybrid and dual-mode traction solutions that truly impact the decarbonization of rail freight transport.
Luuk von Meijenfeldt, CEO of Nexrail says:
"Nexrail's mission is to transform the European rail market towards a zero-emission future by investing in innovative traction technologies. The purchase of the DE18 Stage V Smart Hybrid locomotives marks the beginning of this ambitious journey," says Luuk von Meijenfeldt, CEO of Nexrail. "We are delighted to see that many freight carriers are interested in leasing these innovative locomotives. It will enable them to contribute cost-effectively to greening the sector and shaping the modal shift that we all must make."