Italy: The first out of 20 four-axle vehicles ordered in 2022 was delivered to the freight operator Mercitalia Rail, part of the national railway company FS.
The locomotive boasts an output of 6.4 MW, can reach peak speeds of 140 km/h, and has a starting tractive effort of 320 kN.
Compared to the previous 40 Traxx DC3, which were supplied to the operator by Bombardier Transportation (acquired by Alstom in 2021), the new locomotive is fitted with a low-powered diesel engine. This should make it possible to stop using shunting locomotives for bridging non-electrified sections, often found in multimodal terminals and ports.
The Alstom Traxx DC3 electric locomotive for Mercitalia Rail. Source: Mercitalia
The locomotive’s unveiling ceremony saw Mercitalia Rail ink another €323 mln frame contract with Alstom to supply a further 70 such vehicles, including an option for 30 units. The deliveries are to start late in 2025.
The Traxx platform is a best-selling locomotive in Europe, and here is ROLLINGSTOCK’S feature on its history.
