As the first two years of Euro9000 operations come to a close, these Co’Co’ locomotives are becoming an increasingly familiar sight on Europe’s rail network. During a recent client event, ELP invited us to explore the details of locomotive Euro9000 2019 328 up close at RailAdventure in Braunschweig (DE).
A special thanks goes to Emiel Knarren from ELP for the invitation to the client event.
The Beginning
European Loc Pool AG (ELP) was launched in August 2018. The Swiss-based company is owned by Reichmuth Bank from Luzern and Peter Spuhler’s private PCS Holding. Mr. Spuhler president of the board of directors of Stadler Rail.
ELP placed its first locomotive orders in 2018, signing a framework agreement with Stadler later in 2019 for over 90 units. The initial batch comprised the AC-only EuroDual models, intended for use in Germany and Austria, as well as Scandinavian countries. The Euro9000, ordered later in 2019, represented the next evolution of the platform, with it being designed for full compatibility with all major European electrification systems.
ELP recently celebrated the 100th locomotive joining its fleet, with total deliveries and orders now reaching 124 units combined.
Best of Both Worlds
In its first two years of service, the Euro9000 has shown to be a versatile machine. As a hybrid locomotive, it can operate on both electrified and non-electrified lines, with a relatively low 20.5-tonne axle load that allows access to routes with weight restrictions. This flexibility means the Euro9000 can easily detour via unelectrified branch lines or even high-speed routes (such as the VDE 8.1 between Erfurt and Bamberg) when needed.
Technical highlights:
- Electrifcation systems: 25 kV AC / 15 kV AC / 3 kV DC / 1,5 kV DC
- Diesel engine: 2X CAT C32, Stage V
- Power electric mode: 9000 kW
- Power diesel mode: 1900 kW
- Tractive power: 500kN
- Top-speed: 120 km/h
- ETCS: Baseline 3.4.0
The Euro9000 also offers improved energy efficiency over previous locomotive generations, thanks in part to modern rectifiers developed by ABB. Looking ahead, a future variant featuring a 2 MW battery could deliver up to 40 km of pure electric range on unelectrified lines.
With its Co’Co’ wheel arrangement, a single Euro9000 can often replace two locomotives operating in double traction. On steep gradients under 3 kV DC electrification, its diesel engines can also engage in ‘boost mode’, providing additional power when required.
A New Kind of Clientele
ELP currently has seven locomotives available on relatively short notice. While originally intended for main-corridor routes requiring interoperable traction, the Euro9000 has found new demand among construction companies. Thanks to its convenient shunting module located beside the cab side window, it performs well in construction and shunting duties. One such company, Willke, has already integrated the Euro9000 into its fleet, with more likely to follow.
More Authorizations coming
ELP isn’t standing still when it comes to the current Euro9000 configuration. The locomotives delivered so far are authorized for operation in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium, with Italy expected to be completed by Q1 2026.
Future configurations will be divided into two country packages:
- Euro9000 WEST: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and France (with optional approval for Luxembourg and standard-gauge Spain)
- Euro9000 EAST: Germany, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia (with optional approval for Poland, Romania, and Croatia)
These expansions will firmly establish the Euro9000 as the only Co’Co’ locomotive with such broad European authorization. France is expected to follow within about three years, while Poland could be added as early as Q1 2027.
A Colorful Bunch
Unlike many leasing companies, ELP’s locomotives often wear the liveries of their operators rather than a uniform corporate scheme. Since ELP covers the foiling process, operators enjoy full creative freedom in designing their locomotives’ appearance, several of which have been created in collaboration with our own Railcolordesign team. Notable examples include the striking designs for Rail Force One and RTB Cargo.
