NEXRAIL has strengthened its commitment to low‑emission rail freight by signing an agreement with Vossloh Rolling Stock for the delivery of 20 additional DE18 Stage V Smart Hybrid locomotives, with entry into service planned for 2027.
The new locomotives will be supplied with an upgraded homologation package, broadening their operational reach across Europe. In addition to existing approvals for France, Belgium and Luxembourg, the fleet will gain certification for Germany, along with ETCS Level 2 (Baseline 3.6) and Germany’s PZB system. Once delivered, NEXRAIL’s DE18 Smart Hybrid fleet will total 50 locomotives.
For rail freight operators, particularly those working on non‑electrified routes, the expansion represents a further step towards more efficient, flexible and environmentally responsible traction. The DE18 Smart Hybrid has been positioned to support a wide mix of duties, from yard operations through to regional mainline freight, while helping operators respond to tightening emissions requirements across European networks.
Hybrid performance with operational flexibility
The Vossloh DE18 Smart Hybrid is a four‑axle, mid‑cab locomotive powered by a 1,800 kW Stage V diesel engine, complemented by an onboard traction battery. This hybrid configuration enables the locomotive to balance high performance with reduced environmental impact, a combination increasingly valued by operators and infrastructure authorities alike.
Designed as a true multi‑purpose platform, the DE18 can be deployed for shunting, regional freight services, engineering trains and rescue operations, allowing operators to standardise fleets without sacrificing flexibility.
A key feature of the latest specification is an upgraded 106 kWh traction battery, enabling more than an hour of emission‑free, low‑speed operation. The battery also functions as an advanced start‑stop system, with potential fuel savings of between 15 and 40 per cent, depending on the duty cycle. For operators, this translates into reduced fuel costs, lower noise and emissions in urban and sensitive environments, and improved sustainability credentials.
ETCS readiness for the Belgian network
The 2027‑build locomotives will be delivered with ETCS Level 2 Baseline 3.6, a crucial upgrade for operations in Belgium. The Belgian rail network is scheduled to transition to ETCS‑only operation by the end of 2027, making compliance essential for continued access.
By securing this capability now, NEXRAIL positions its fleet – and its customers – to operate seamlessly through and beyond this transition, reducing future retrofit risk and operational disruption.
Opening doors in Germany
The expanded homologation also brings the DE18 Smart Hybrid into Germany for the first time under the NEXRAIL banner. Given the operational differences in the German market, where drivers operate from the left, NEXRAIL plans to integrate a camera system to ensure optimal forward visibility.
All existing NEXRAIL locomotives will be upgraded to the expanded homologation standard during 2027, ensuring fleet‑wide consistency and flexibility across Western Europe’s major rail freight corridors.
Stronger through partnership
Industry leaders from both sides highlight the strategic importance of the deal, particularly as infrastructure investment accelerates across Europe.
"We are pleased that we can continue to service our clients in Western Europe, and now also in Germany, with new-build, low-emission hybrid locomotives.”
“The investments in infrastructure, especially in Germany, require modern rolling stock”
said Luuk von Meijenfeldt, CEO of Nexrail.
Operational experience in Belgium has already demonstrated the value of the platform in day‑to‑day service.
“The DE18SH has provided us with a reliable and flexible solution for the first part of our operations in Belgium, allowing us to handle our initial movements more independently and efficiently. It has also helped reduce energy consumption when hauling heavy trains. NEXRAIL has supported us well during the integration of the locomotives into our operations,” said Bart Smout, Managing Director of HSL Belgium, who has operated DE18 Smart Hybrid locomotives for several years.
Image credit: Nexrail
