Driving assistance system LEADER now also being tested on diesel locomotives

DB Cargo is setting another milestone in terms of energy efficiency in rail freight transport: the Driver Assistance System LEADER has also been tested on diesel main-line locomotives since 2024.

The aim: to reduce fuel consumption by up to 4% and thus make a further contribution to more sustainable rail logistics.

LEADER has already proven its worth on over 650 electric locomotives. The system supports train drivers via an additional display with driving recommendations for energy-efficient driving. In 2024 alone, an average energy saving of 12.3% was achieved on electric locomotives, which corresponds to 42 million kilowatt hours of traction power.

The extension to diesel locomotives shows that energy efficiency is also possible on non-electrified lines. Diesel locomotives, which are indispensable on branch lines in particular, can be operated not only more economically but also in a much more environmentally friendly manner thanks to the optimized driving style.

The tests mark a further step towards climate-neutral rail freight transport and underline the fact that innovation at DB Cargo always goes hand in hand with sustainability.