The ERA has granted type approval for two locomotives from the DE 18 series, including the DE 18 SmartHybrid. The approval is valid for France, Belgium and Luxembourg. With the multi-country homologation (F/B/L) granted on 6 December 2024, the universal locomotive is simultaneously adding two new chapters to its life in service.
First, it marks the approval of Europe's first universal centre-cabbed diesel-battery hybrid locomotive, the DE 18. This confirms its key role in the rail market's transition to a fossil-free future. Second, it marks the DE 18's debut in Belgium and the first centre-cab locomotive to combine the three countries.
"The DE 18, as the most powerful centre-cab locomotive in Europe, continues to set standards in the railway industry with its powerful drive system. At the same time, thanks to the possibility of using environmentally friendly HVO fuel in combination with intelligent operating modes, it offers considerable advantages both in terms of operating costs and low-emission operation,“ said M. Egeter, Spokesman of the Management Board of Vossloh Rolling Stock.
„We welcome the multi-country approval that has been achieved. We also appreciate that Vossloh Rolling Stock deliberately opted for a joint approval application for the DE 18 F/B/L (MV28003) and the DE 18 SmartHybrid F/B/L (MV28004). This enabled an efficient and time-saving process without a second, subsequent approval process,“ added Luuk von Meijenfeldt, CEO of Nexrail.
In order to comply with national requirements, the entire process was carried out in close cooperation with the authorities in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. The assessment was carried out by long-standing partner Certifer Belgorail. The DE 18 has now been approved for Belgium for the first time, while the homologation for France and Luxembourg has been technically updated.
