Siemens Mobility unveiled the next generation of highly digitalized locomotives for freight and passenger transport – the Vectron X – to customers and international media at its newly opened Rail Service Center in Munich-Allach.
The new locomotive is based on the market-leading Vectron platform, which has proven itself in daily operation with nearly 3,000 units sold. Vectron X combines this proven technology with app-based functionalities, open interfaces for third-party providers, and a central Smart Screen in the cab.
This allows the locomotive to continuously evolve with future customer requirements and be flexibly adapted to different operational needs. For operators, Vectron X enhances ease of operation and transparency.
Data-driven applications, targeted maintenance, and app-based features help optimize operating costs and improve how efficiently each vehicle is deployed.
With its open, software-based architecture, Vectron X is part of Siemens Xcelerator – Siemens’ open digital business platform. It seamlessly connects rolling stock, operations, services, and infrastructure, enabling the integration of partner solutions via standardized interfaces.
“With the Vectron X locomotive, we continue to evolve as a European market leader and, as part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, creating a scalable digital platform that grows with the requirements of our customers. Standardized interfaces and software-based functionalities enable more efficient operations throughout the entire lifecycle,” said Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility. “Together with our expanding service offering and the new Rail Service Center in Munich-Allach, we are creating a fully digitalized end-to-end portfolio that seamlessly connects operations and maintenance and enables highly efficient deployment of our locomotives in both freight and passenger transport.”
“The Vectron X perfectly connects the real and digital worlds by bringing digital functions directly into the locomotive. Smart Screen, app-based applications, TrainPlay, and near real-time connectivity simplify operation and make locomotive operations more transparent and significantly more efficient. Vectron X combines proven Vectron performance with intelligent software, creating clear added value for operators, locomotive drivers, and maintenance teams,” said Andre Rodenbeck, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility.
With its open, software-based architecture, Vectron X is part of Siemens Xcelerator – Siemens’ open digital business platform. It seamlessly connects rolling stock, operations, services, and infrastructure, enabling the integration of partner solutions via standardized interfaces.
“With the Vectron X locomotive, we continue to evolve as a European market leader and, as part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, creating a scalable digital platform that grows with the requirements of our customers. Standardized interfaces and software-based functionalities enable more efficient operations throughout the entire lifecycle,” said Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility. “Together with our expanding service offering and the new Rail Service Center in Munich-Allach, we are creating a fully digitalized end-to-end portfolio that seamlessly connects operations and maintenance and enables highly efficient deployment of our locomotives in both freight and passenger transport.”
“The Vectron X perfectly connects the real and digital worlds by bringing digital functions directly into the locomotive. Smart Screen, app-based applications, TrainPlay, and near real-time connectivity simplify operation and make locomotive operations more transparent and significantly more efficient. Vectron X combines proven Vectron performance with intelligent software, creating clear added value for operators, locomotive drivers, and maintenance teams,” said Andre Rodenbeck, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility.
App Store and digitalized driver’s cab
In the driver’s cab, the Vectron X relies on a digital operating concept. It complements the proven Vectron driver’s cab, with which locomotive drivers across Europe are already familiar.
A central 11.6-inch Smart Screen consolidates key applications and information directly in the cockpit, ranging from operational data and route information to third-party applications available via an App Store. Additionally, selected customer- and operator-specific applications that drivers currently use on smartphones or tablets -such as for mission planning, operational coordination, or customer-specific information- will be displayed directly on the Smart Screen or mirrored via TrainPlay. This simplifies handling and supports more efficient workflows.
With this approach, Siemens Mobility is bringing a CarPlay-like solution to rail for the first time, transforming the driver’s cab into a digital workspace that provides easier access to information and significantly streamlines processes.
Remote control functionalities
Siemens Mobility is also bringing new digital functions to the rails for vehicle preparation. Remote Start allows the locomotive to be activated from a distance, significantly accelerating readiness for service and increasing operational flexibility.
Near real-time connectivity and predictive maintenance
A key feature of Vectron X is its comprehensive connectivity. The locomotive can transmit operational data in near real-time and securely connect to digital systems. This forms the basis for early detection of irregularities, more targeted maintenance measures, and a significant reduction in unplanned failures. This helps to stabilize operations and further improve availability.
Advanced diagnostics, analytics, and condition monitoring functions also provide greater transparency regarding the locomotive’s condition. Operators can better assess the technical health of individual systems. Maintenance is able to shift from reactive to proactive, substantially increasing vehicle availability.
New Rail Service Center: Expanding European service network
Alongside the Vectron X launch, Siemens Mobility has opened a newly modernized Rail Service Center in Munich-Allach. With the new facility, the company triples the capacity at the site from around 25 to up to 80 overhauls and accident repairs per year. As one of the largest industrial employers in the region, Siemens Mobility has invested around 250 million euros in expanding the site in Allach where it employs approximately 2,500 people.
“The new Rail Service Center Munich-Allach is our competence center for the maintenance of Vectron locomotives – from overhauls to accident repairs – and another important milestone in expanding our European service network,” says Elmar Zeiler, CEO Customer Services at Siemens Mobility. “With significantly increased capacity and fully digitalized workshop processes, we are creating the basis for faster and more predictable workshop visits.”
Customers benefit from significantly shorter turnaround times and high locomotive availability. Solutions such as Railigent X enable condition-based maintenance before a vehicle reaches the workshop: anomalies are detected earlier, spare parts are scheduled faster, and repairs are prepared more precisely. This is complemented by consistently digital workshop processes that integrate paperless workflows, digital documentation, and optimized parts logistics.
(Siemens)
