Czech Republic: A hybrid locomotive capable of operating from both battery power and overhead lines has been delivered to the VUZ test centre in Velim. Technical specifications of the new rolling stock have not been disclosed.
The order for 19 such locomotives was signed in 2021 between French manufacturer Socofer and infrastructure operator Eurotunnel. The locomotives will be deployed for tunnel maintenance operations as well as train rescue duties in case of emergencies.
The locomotive is fitted with INT‑53 lithium-ion battery modules supplied by Swiss manufacturer Leclanché, which also provided the associated battery management, cooling, and thermal control equipment. The same battery modules have been installed on the battery-electric multiple unit recently launched in Croatia by Končar. Traction and auxiliary converters rated at 500 kW and 1.5 MW have been supplied by Indian company Medha.
