With progressing development, it was possible to modify the Vectron DE into a dual-power locomotive. By reducing the diesel tank from 2,600 to 1,500 liters, a transformer could be accommodated under the locomotive's frame. Together with the pantograph and other electrical equipment on the roof, it is now possible to feed the traction converters from either the overhead line or the diesel generator.

The original Vectron Dual Mode is used as class 248 and has the same engine as the Vectron DE, which has since been discontinued. This means a gross engine power of 2,400 kW and a traction power of 2,000 kW. In electric mode, 2,400 kW are available for traction. The largest operators include the Paribus Group, DB Fernverkehr, ITL and Rheincargo, other locomotives are used in numbers of mostly just one or two locomotives by a whole range of smaller customers.

DB Cargo 249 003 with visible shunter platform at Innotrans Berlin 2022

Nelso Silva

Since the DM with an axle load of 22.5 tonnes cannot be used on some sidings, the DM Light has been delivered in parallel since 2022 as class 249. In electric mode, the power fell only slightly to 2,210 kW and a Cummins QST 30-L delivers 950 kW, of which 750 kW arrive at the wheel. The result is an axle load of only 21 tonnes. With the DM Light, DB Cargo is replacing part of the former V 90 in shunting operations. Due to the lack of side windows, this got additional microphones and cameras and also shunting platforms, which increase the overall length. After the first series of 100 pieces for DB Cargo, there are still options for more than 200 pieces.