Switzerland: Currently, the four-axle Griffin E4MSUa electric locomotive is on tests in Buchs, where the rolling stock’s impact on infrastructure is being examined. Then the vehicle will be sent to Germany to continue testing.
Meanwhile, another electric locomotive of this model is passing electromagnetic compatibility tests at the VUZ Velim test centre in Czechia. When the procedures are completed, Newag may gain permission for operation in Austria and Germany. In the second half of the year, the Polish manufacturer also plans to receive approvals for services in Czechia and Slovakia. The necessary tests are already accomplished.
At present, PKP Intercity is the only customer for the E4MSUas. In 2021 and 2023, the Polish operator ordered 15 such electric locomotives worth $90 mln for international routes. The three-system locomotives, able to operate on 3 kV DC and 15 kV/25 kV AC lines, will be used for hauling passenger trains in Poland, Germany, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary. All the locomotives will be fitted with the ETCS Level 2, the European Train Control System, and a remote control system. They feature a power output of 5.7 MW and a starting tractive effort of 310 kN.
Pesa, another Polish manufacturer, is also going to produce locomotives for speeds of 200–230 km/h. Planned to be based on the unveiled last year Gama 3.0 platform, the new locomotives will have various traction modifications.
