Siemens Mobility Secures Long-Term Partnership with Akiem for Deployment of Flexible and Low-Emission Vectron Locomotives

Siemens Mobility Secures Long-Term Partnership with Akiem for Deployment of Flexible and Low-Emission Vectron Locomotives

(IN BRIEF) Siemens Mobility and Akiem have signed a framework agreement covering up to 80 Vectron locomotives, including a firm order for 50 units and the introduction of the new Vectron Dual Mode Electric/Battery model. Designed to operate both under overhead electrification and on non-electrified routes using battery power, the locomotive offers enhanced flexibility while reducing emissions and noise. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2029/2030, with Akiem acting as the launch customer and leasing the units across Europe. Building on an existing partnership that has already resulted in 120 locomotive orders since 2021, the agreement reflects a continued focus on innovation and sustainability. With high performance specifications and modular battery configurations, the new locomotive supports the decarbonization of rail transport and provides operators with a practical solution for mixed infrastructure networks.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH /SAINT-OUEN, 24-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Siemens Mobility and Akiem have entered into a new framework agreement that will see the delivery of up to 80 Vectron locomotives, including a firm order for 50 units and an option for an additional 30. The agreement introduces the next evolution of Siemens Mobility’s locomotive portfolio with the launch of the Vectron Dual Mode Electric/Battery, a model designed to expand operational flexibility while supporting the rail sector’s transition to lower-emission transport.

The new locomotive builds on the established Vectron Dual Mode platform but replaces the traditional diesel engine with a modular battery system. This allows it to operate seamlessly under electrified overhead lines and independently on non-electrified routes using stored battery power. The innovation enables rail operators to maintain efficient operations across mixed infrastructure while reducing environmental impact.

Deliveries of the new locomotives are scheduled to begin in 2029 and continue into 2030, with Akiem acting as the launch customer. As one of Europe’s leading leasing providers for locomotives and passenger trains, Akiem will make the new units available to operators across the continent, further supporting the modernization of rail fleets.

The agreement strengthens a long-standing partnership between Siemens Mobility and Akiem, which has already resulted in orders totaling 120 Vectron and Vectron Dual Mode locomotives since 2021. The addition of the battery-powered variant reflects both companies’ shared focus on innovation and sustainability, as well as their commitment to addressing the growing demand for cleaner rail transport solutions.

The Vectron Dual Mode Electric/Battery is designed to offer high performance and flexibility. It features configurable battery capacities exceeding 2 MWh and delivers up to 2,400 kW of power in both battery and overhead line operation. The locomotive is capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h, with a maximum tractive effort of 300 kN and an approximate weight of 90 tons. It also includes a train power supply of 480 kVA, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of operational requirements.

By eliminating the need for diesel engines on partially electrified routes, the new locomotive supports significant reductions in CO₂ emissions and noise levels, offering a more sustainable alternative for freight and passenger services. It also enables operators to reduce operational costs while maintaining performance and reliability.

Siemens Mobility continues to advance alternative traction technologies, building on its broader portfolio of battery and hybrid solutions. This includes developments such as the Vectron with Battery Power Module and regional train platforms like the Mireo Plus B and Mireo Plus H, which further extend low-emission rail operations to routes without full electrification.

Through this agreement and the introduction of the Vectron Dual Mode Electric/Battery, Siemens Mobility and Akiem are reinforcing their commitment to driving innovation in rail transport and supporting the transition toward a more sustainable and flexible European rail network.

Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and solutions, and the use of industrial AI, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make their infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience, and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €12.4 billion and employed around 43,400 people worldwide. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/mobility

Akiem is one of the leading European providers of services to rail operators, manufacturers, and local authorities. The company offers a fleet of over 770 locomotives and 42 passenger vehicles, as well as solutions covering the entire rolling stock value chain. Akiem has more than 100 customers and operates in 22 European countries. The majority of its 500 employees are based in France, Germany, Poland, Sweden, Italy, Hungary, and the United Kingdom. Akiem has a complete industrial and service ecosystem, certified ECM (Entity in Charge of Maintenance), which relies on a pan-European network of workshops and significant inventories of spare parts for the maintenance of the rolling stock supplied to its customers. Akiem is owned by La Caisse (formerly CDPQ). For more information, please visit www.akiem.com

Media contact:

Andreas Friedrich
Siemens Mobility GmbH
+49 1522 2103967
friedrich@siemens.com

Christine Alvim
Akiem
+33 7 89 33 03 31
christine.alvim@akiem.com

SOURCE: Siemens