Nexrail Orders Stadler Electric Freight Locomotives
The framework contract covers up to 200 Euro9000 freight locomotives to be delivered starting in 2029.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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On November 12, 2025, Nexrail announced a contract to acquire up to 200 Euro9000 electric-battery freight locomotives from Stadler. Hamburger Rail Service is set to receive the first of these new vehicles in 2029.
Why it matters
By replacing diesel engines with battery modules, these locomotives aim to reduce maintenance needs while enabling zero-emission operations on last-mile routes. The design also allows for cost arbitrage through the optimization of real-time energy purchases.
The Euro9000 locomotives feature 636 kWh battery modules and a 9 MW overhead power rating. These units offer a 500 kN starting tractive effort and a maximum speed of 120 km/h.
The players
Nexrail
Headquartered in Luxembourg, this company is a major lessor of rolling stock for freight operations across Europe.
Stadler
This Swiss-based manufacturer produces a wide range of railway vehicles and currently holds a 14% share of the European electric locomotive market.
Hamburger Rail Service
This freight transport operator is designated as the initial recipient for the new fleet of electric-battery locomotives.
The details
The locomotives support multiple electrification standards, including 25 kV 50 Hz and 15 kV 16.7 Hz, and utilize battery management systems to recover and store brake energy. This technology provides 1.2 MW of battery power to assist on DC networks and reduce peak power consumption costs.
Timeline
November 12, 2025: Contract for locomotive supply was announced.
2029: First locomotives scheduled for delivery to Hamburger Rail Service.
Roadmap
This order reflects the broader industry transition toward hybrid, multi-system locomotives capable of bridging the gap between electrified mainlines and non-electrified local tracks. By adopting the Euro9000 platform, Nexrail is positioning itself to challenge incumbents by utilizing Stadler's 14% European market share.
The transition to these locomotives will likely reduce long-term operational costs for freight providers through improved energy efficiency and lower maintenance requirements. Daily commuters may eventually see improved rail reliability as freight operators shift away from aging diesel equipment.
The takeaway
The adoption of battery-integrated freight rail demonstrates how energy arbitrage can create new efficiencies in heavy transport. Operators using these systems benefit from both reduced emissions and the ability to reclaim energy during braking for later use.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts toward electrification, visit Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Railway Gazette International.
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