Alpha Trains Expands Fleet with Stadler EURO9000 Locomotives

Hybrid locomotives for European rail freight corridors
In rail freight logistics and cross-border transport operations, locomotive flexibility and energy efficiency play a key role in improving operational performance and reducing emissions. Alpha Trains and the European rail freight operator Lineas have strengthened their partnership through a leasing agreement covering two Stadler EURO9000 locomotives.

The locomotives are part of Alpha Trains’ 2023 order for twelve EURO9000 units and are intended to support freight operations on major European transport routes. Delivery of the first locomotive is expected in March 2026. The units will operate under a full-service leasing model, with maintenance and technical support provided by Stadler Rail Services.

Hybrid propulsion for electrified and non-electrified networks
The EURO9000 is a six-axle hybrid multi-system locomotive designed for international freight transport. Its propulsion system combines electric traction with diesel capability, allowing operators to run services across both electrified and non-electrified railway lines without changing locomotives.

This configuration enables seamless cross-border operations along the Rhine–Alpine corridor, one of Europe’s most important freight routes connecting major North Sea ports with Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.

By integrating electric and diesel traction systems, hybrid locomotives can reduce operational disruptions when trains encounter sections of track lacking overhead electrification. This capability is particularly valuable for freight services operating across multiple national networks with varying infrastructure.

Deployment in German freight operations
Lineas plans to deploy the leased locomotives primarily in domestic German freight traffic. In this context, the EURO9000’s dual-power capability allows the trains to operate across both electrified main lines and regional routes where electrification infrastructure may be absent.

Such operational flexibility reduces the need for locomotive changes, improving efficiency for freight operators and supporting more continuous logistics operations along international transport corridors.

The leasing arrangement also includes a comprehensive service package from Alpha Trains. Stadler Rail Services will provide maintenance and technical support, ensuring consistent locomotive availability throughout the operational period.

Supporting low-emission rail transport
The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV), which has allocated €15 million in funding as part of the programme “Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drive Systems in Rail Transport / Passenger Buses.”

The initiative, coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ), aims to increase the adoption of low-emission propulsion technologies in both passenger and freight rail transport. By helping offset the higher investment costs associated with innovative drive systems, the programme encourages rail operators to deploy more climate-friendly locomotives.

Through the introduction of hybrid locomotives such as the EURO9000, rail freight operators can expand electrified operations while maintaining service continuity across non-electrified sections of the European railway network.

As logistics companies seek to reduce the environmental impact of freight transport, multi-system locomotives capable of operating across diverse infrastructure are expected to play an increasing role in modernizing Europe’s rail freight corridors.

www.alphatrains.com