The Fastest Vectron Locomotives Enter Service with Czech Railways

Czech Railways (České dráhy, ČD) will begin operating its latest Siemens Vectron electric locomotives from mid-September. The first units will be deployed on domestic long-distance services, including the R18 Slovácký expres between Prague and Staré Město u Uherské Hradiště.

Following the arrival of further locomotives and the completion of approvals, the new locomotives are expected to operate international services by the end of the year.

In total, ČD has ordered 50 new locomotives. The vehicles have a maximum operating speed of 230 km/h, making them the fastest Vectron locomotives to date.

Michal Krapinec , Chairman of the Board and CEO of Czech Railways said:

Although Czech Railways is the first carrier to include the new generation of high-speed Vectrons in its fleet, in this case we are following the path of proven quality. We have very good experience with the existing Vectron locomotives and I am convinced that the new ones will also provide us with many years and millions of kilometers of good service.

With their maximum speed of 230 km/h, they move us into a higher league among European carriers and at the same time represent an important intermediate step for us towards operating even faster trains on Czech and foreign high-speed lines. After the deliveries are completed next year, we will have 111 Vectron locomotives at our disposal, which will also allow us to continue unifying our locomotive fleet.

Eight of the locomotives have so far been delivered to ČD, with a total of 20 due by the end of 2025. From January 2026, Siemens’ Munich-Allach plant will supply four additional locomotives per month. The first three locomotives arrived at ČD’s Vršovice depot in Prague on 12 August, followed by five more on 4 September.

Train drivers and maintenance staff have been trained to operate and service the new series, which carries ČD corporate livery. Staff from Austrian operator ÖBB and Deutsche Bahn have also taken part in the training, reflecting plans for deployment on cross-border services. Routes under consideration include Prague–Villach in Austria and Prague–Copenhagen in Denmark.

The locomotives are classified as series 384 and are designed for multi-system operation at speeds up to 230 km/h. They incorporate improved aerodynamics and a revised chassis. Siemens Mobility has highlighted their suitability for operation on existing and future high-speed routes, including Germany’s Berlin–Hamburg line and Austria’s new Koralmbahn. In the Czech Republic, they are intended for use on forthcoming high-speed corridors. The locomotives are also configured for operation with ČD’s new ComfortJet passenger units.

Under the supply agreement signed in 2022, Siemens Mobility will provide full servicing support for the locomotives for 15 years.