Siemens Vectron Gains 230 km/h Approval, Unlocking High-Speed Cross-Border Travel in Central Europe

Siemens Mobility’s Vectron locomotive has achieved a landmark authorisation from the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) for passenger services at speeds up to 230 km/h across six key European nations. This approval paves the way for a new era of faster, seamless international rail travel, with Czech national operator České dráhy (ČD) set to be the first to deploy the high-speed fleet from 2026.

The formal authorisation from ERA marks a significant milestone for European rail interoperability, creating a vast corridor for high-speed passenger operations without the need for time-consuming locomotive changes at borders. The approval initially covers Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary, with Siemens Mobility noting that Denmark is expected to be added in the near future. This development directly supports the European Union’s ambitions for a more integrated and competitive rail network.

At the heart of this capability is the Vectron MS (Multi-System) locomotive’s advanced technical design. The platform delivers a continuous power output of 6,400 kW (8,600 hp) and is engineered to operate seamlessly across Europe’s four main electrification systems (15 kV & 25 kV AC; 1.5 kV & 3 kV DC). The upgrade to 230 km/h was achieved with minimal hardware changes, primarily involving an adjustment to the gear ratio, demonstrating the platform’s inherent modularity and future-proofing. For safe operation, the locomotives are equipped with Siemens Mobility’s Trainguard 200 on-board unit, which is compliant with the latest ETCS Baseline 3.6, supplemented by the required national train protection systems for each country.

The first operator to leverage this new capability will be České dráhy. The Czech national carrier placed a significant order for 50 Vectron MS locomotives in early 2022, with deliveries already in progress. These units are scheduled to enter service from 1 January 2026, enabling ČD to launch faster international services, such as on the key Prague – Berlin – Hamburg and Prague – Vienna – Budapest routes. The Vectron platform is already a proven workhorse across the continent, with over 2,800 units sold to more than 110 customers, collectively covering approximately 1.3 billion kilometres in both freight and passenger service across 20 European countries.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Interoperability: A single locomotive type is now approved for 230 km/h service across a major Central European corridor, drastically simplifying cross-border operations.
• New Service Potential: Operators like ČD can now design more competitive international timetables that directly challenge short-haul flights on key city pairs.
• Platform Versatility: The approval validates the Vectron’s modular design, proving its ability to adapt to higher performance demands and cementing its market leadership.

Editor’s Analysis

This ERA authorisation is more than a technical certification; it is a strategic enabler for the Single European Railway Area. By removing a major operational barrier, Siemens and the ERA are handing operators the tools to create genuinely seamless international passenger services that are faster, more efficient, and more attractive to customers. This move solidifies the Vectron’s status as the de facto standard for modern European cross-border traction and places significant pressure on competitors to match this level of harmonised, high-speed approval. Expect to see a wave of new and accelerated international service announcements in the coming years as operators capitalise on this new operational freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries are covered by the new 230 km/h approval for the Vectron?
The authorisation covers passenger service at up to 230 km/h in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary. Approval for Denmark is expected to follow.

What makes the Vectron locomotive suitable for cross-border European travel?
The Vectron MS is a multi-system locomotive, meaning it can operate on all four major European overhead line voltages. It is also equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS) and the necessary national safety systems, allowing it to travel seamlessly across borders without stopping to change locomotives.

Who is the first customer for these newly approved high-speed locomotives?
The Czech national railway company, České dráhy (ČD), is the first operator to benefit. They have an order for 50 Vectron MS units, which are scheduled to begin passenger service from 1 January 2026.