NSB El 18

The NSB El 18 is a class of electric locomotives operated by the Norwegian State Railways (NSB), later Vy. Introduced in 1996, these locomotives were built by Adtranz (later Bombardier Transportation) in Kassel, Germany. They are based on the DB Class 120 and the Swiss Federal Railways Re 460, representing a versatile and powerful design for both passenger and freight services.

The El 18 locomotives are primarily used on long-distance passenger routes, including the Bergen Line, the Dovre Line, and the Sørland Line. They are also occasionally used for freight transport. Their high power output and reliability have made them a crucial part of the Norwegian railway network.

The El 18 design incorporates asynchronous three-phase AC traction motors and advanced microprocessor control systems. This allows for precise speed regulation and efficient energy usage. The locomotives are equipped with regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy back into electricity, further improving energy efficiency.

Key characteristics of the NSB El 18 include its high power output, modern control systems, and suitability for diverse railway operations. The locomotives have significantly contributed to the modernization of rail transport in Norway.