The European Union Agency for Railways has granted approval for Siemens Mobility’s Vectron MS locomotives to operate at a maximum speed of 230 km/h in the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Poland. Similar approval is expected to follow in Denmark.
Siemens Mobility says this is the fastest version of its Vectron family. The new variant, designated Series 384 in the Czech Republic, features an improved pantograph and upgraded running gear. The higher top speed of 230 km/h has been achieved through a modified gear ratio in the traction gear unit and corresponding software adjustments.
Czech national operator ČD has become the first customer to deploy the new locomotive. In September last year, it introduced several Series 384 units on domestic services, previously limited to 160 km/h. The locomotives are used to haul push‑pull ComfortJet trains.
ČD placed an order for 50 three‑system Vectron MS locomotives in early 2022. Production takes place at Siemens Mobility’s Munich‑Allach plant. To date, 20 locomotives have been delivered to the Czech Republic, with the entire order due for completion by the end of this year.
