Newag Griffin Launches German Approval for 240 km/h Locomotive

WARSAW, POLAND – Polish rolling stock manufacturer Newag has officially commenced the approval process in Germany for its Griffin E4MSUa-002 multi-system electric locomotive. The vehicle is part of a larger order for PKP Intercity and is undergoing concurrent testing in Switzerland and the Czech Republic to secure authorisation for operation across a network of six European nations.

What Are the Technical Specifications?

The Newag Griffin E4MSUa is engineered for cross-border interoperability, capable of operating on three different electrification systems. The locomotive is compatible with 3 kV DC, 15 kV AC, and 25 kV AC power supplies, allowing it to traverse major European corridors without changeovers. All units are equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 for enhanced safety and network compliance. During dynamic tests in October 2023, the E4MSUa-001 variant successfully reached a speed of 240 km/h.

Key Technical Data

Where Does This Technology Stand in the Market?

The Newag Griffin enters a highly competitive European market for multi-system locomotives, dominated by established platforms from Siemens and Alstom. The Griffin’s tested speed of 240 km/h positions it directly against the Siemens Vectron MS, which has variants certified for speeds up to 230 km/h and is the market leader in European cross-border rail. (Source: Siemens Mobility, 2023). In comparison, the standard configuration of Alstom’s TRAXX MS3 locomotive is typically rated for 160 km/h, focusing more on freight and mixed-traffic applications, though higher-speed passenger versions are available. Newag’s key challenge will be to demonstrate comparable reliability and service support against these incumbents to gain market share beyond its domestic contracts.

Editor’s Analysis

Newag’s push for German certification is a strategic move to capitalize on significant infrastructure investment within the EU’s largest economy. Germany’s railway signalling market is expanding due to upgrades to ETCS and other digital systems, creating demand for modern, compliant rolling stock. (Source: Market Context). By securing approval for the Griffin, Newag can position itself as a viable alternative to Siemens and Alstom for operators seeking interoperable fleets to run on the increasingly harmonized European network, tapping into the broader policy-driven shift from road to rail.

FAQ

Q: Which countries will the Newag Griffin locomotive be certified for?
A: The Griffin E4MSUa locomotives are being produced to operate in six countries: Poland, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Q: What is the top speed of the Griffin E4MSUa?
A: The locomotive achieved a maximum speed of 240 km/h during dynamic testing. Its final operational service speed will be determined by the operator and route-specific regulations.

Q: Why is approval in Germany critical for Newag’s expansion?
A: Gaining approval in Germany, Europe’s largest rail market and a central transit hub, serves as a crucial technical and commercial validation. It opens access to a vast network and proves the locomotive’s compliance with some of the industry’s most stringent standards, enhancing its appeal to other European operators.