Environmental measures

• Dual-mode locomotives: Twenty-one dual-mode locomotives were delivered in the first half of 2026. Another 17 are set to follow by the end of 2026, with another 33 in 2027. This means DB Cargo’s fleet is expected to include a total of 146 dual-mode locomotives by the end of 2027. These will replace older types of diesel shunting locomotives. On electrified line sections, they are run electrically, while on sections without overhead wires, they can switch to diesel drive without changing locomotives. This eliminates the need for time-consuming repositioning and switching. It is intended primarily for single wagon transport, where the frequent repositioning of wagons and wagon groups is required.
• HVO biofuel: In the first half of 2026, the share of HVO in DB Cargo’s total fuel consumption continued to increase:
  • Germany: At DB Cargo, the share was about 43 % (previous year: about 35 %). RBH Logistics GmbH has been using HVO since early 2026 (about 66 % HVO share in the first half of 2026).
  • Europe: DB Cargo already operated some of its services using HVO in the first half of 2026, such as in the United Kingdom (about 9 % HVO share) and Italy (about 31 % HVO share).
• LEADER driver assistance system: The installation of the LEADER driver assistance system on 60 Class 77 diesel main line locomotives was completed in March 2026. This corresponds to about two-thirds of DB Cargo’s fleet of diesel main line locomotives. The LEADER system supports traction unit drivers with an additional display showing driving recommendations for the most energy-efficient driving possible.
• Vectron Eco Cruise: In June 2026, preparations were made for the testing of the Vectron Eco Cruise (VEC) system for the Siemens Vectron electric locomotive (193 series), which was set to begin in July 2026. VEC supports energy-efficient vehicle operation by implementing energy-optimized speed control in automatic driving and braking modes based on line and schedule data. In addition, vehicle control functions such as the demand-based deactivation of individual traction motors are used to further reduce energy consumption. The test is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. If the results are positive, the plan is to subsequently roll out the system to the fleet.
• Increase in braking force: DB Cargo is pressing ahead with increasing the electric braking force for a total of 374 locomotives in the 185.1 and 185.2 series. By increasing the electrical braking force from the current 150 kilonewtons (kN) to 240 kN in the future, a larger share of the braking energy can be fed back into the traction current grid. To leverage this effect, the vehicle software for the respective vehicle models must be updated. In June 2026, a contract was awarded for the development of the necessary software modifications. The development work and the necessary testing are set to be completed by mid-2027, after which a phased software update for the fleet vehicles is planned.
• New electricity contracts: Since the start of 2026, DB Cargo’s owner-occupied properties outside Gemany have also been powered by electricity from renewable energy sources.