With the electrification of new lines with 25 kV AC, the CFR evaluated locomotives from suppliers in different countries. The choice fell on ASEA of Sweden, which designed the new locomotive for Romania on the basis of the SJ Rb. Since the line also included the Predeal pass with an altitude of more than 1,000 meters and steep inclines, two axles were added for increased traction. Additionally, lightweight construction did not play a role, unlike in the Swedish locomotives. The first ten were built in Sweden, along with several parts for additional locomotives. Then licensed production was set up at Electroputere in Romania.

Most locomotives were built for freight service with a top speed of 120 km/h and designated class 40, while the rest had a top speed of 160 km/h and was designated class 41. One was rebuilt for 200 km/h and designated class 42, but remained a prototype. In total, 931 locomotives had been built for CFR when production ended in 1991. Additionally, the Yugoslav Railways received 103 locomotives with the driving position on the right which became JŽ class 461. The third customer was the Bulgarian BDŽ with 45 which were designated class 46.

Due to the large number of locomotives in Romania, several rebuilding programs started in 1998. At first, Electroputere modernized 24 between 1998 and 2000 which became class 45. In the same time, the company named Softronic was founded by people originally involved in the 060 EA design. They completely rebuilt the electric part of the locomotives, which were now known as class 47 and had an output of 6.600 kW. From 2008, a new variant with a completely revised exterior design was introduced as Softronic Phoenix. Later, the company started to build new locomotives with the same basic layout, but three-phase traction motors.