Prima is a family of railway diesel and electric locomotives built by Alstom. During the late 1990s, manufacture of the type had commenced; by 2008, Alstom had reportedly sold 1,750 Prima locomotives. In 2009, the second generation Prima II was launched. During 2013, the Prima H3 diesel/battery hybrid locomotive was launched.
First generation
During 1998, the French national railway operator, SNCF, placed a large order with train manufacturer Alstom for 120 electric locomotives, which was later on increased to 240, to perform both domestic and international freight services. The company decided to develop a new modular platform that would accommodate the requirements not only of the existing SNCF order, but to also comply with European interoperability standards, as well as a high degree of flexibility as to meet the divergent needs of different operators, potentially increasing the type's international appeal. In this manner, the SNCF order can be attributed with the extension of the Prima locomotive range. The design of the electric models visibly shows a level of familiarity with the diesel-electric members of the family.
In 2002, Alstom constructed a single Prima demonstrator for the purpose of investigating modular solutions for the configuration of onboard equipment, cab, traction and other systems. During the following year, another Prima demonstrator, known as the multi-system Prima 6000, was built; this was originally to demonstrate to the SNCB what Alstom could produce for them; it was later used as a test platform for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and for as the new Prime II concept before being withdrawn in 2009.
Electric locomotives
SNCF Class BB 27000
SNCF Class BB 27300
SNCF Class BB 37000
SNCF Class BB 47000
China Railways HXD2
Belarusian Railway BCG-1
Diesel locomotives
Alstom Prima diesel locomotives
Second generation
On 20 May 2008, Alstom announced the details of a second generation of Prima locomotives, named "Prima II". The prototype was unveiled on 3 June 2009 at Alstom's Belfort plant. The locomotives are designed to be modular and reconfigurable to suit customers requirements throughout their lifetimes. Electric versions can work with up to four different overhead line voltages; 1.5 Kv and 3 kV DC, as well as 15 KV and 25 kV AC; it possesses power ratings of up to , and operating speeds of .
The design also accommodates for broader gauge versions, suitable for use in Russia, India and Finland, which have been reportedly viewed by Alstom's sales department as potential markets for the Prima II. Compatibility with the ERTMS signalling system for European cross border operations is also a feature. Six-axle Co′Co′ versions are also proposed for heavy freight operations, along with an accompanying increase in power output to and a top speed of A diesel version is also planned in the long term.
The first order for the second generation Prima II came from Morocco's national railway ONCFM, with an order in November 2007 for twenty electric locomotives. These are due to be delivered in the second half of 2009 for entry into passenger and freight service in 2010. The Moroccan locomotives are to be initially delivered for 3 kV DC operation, with the potential to install a transformer and other electrical equipment for 25 kV AC operation at a later date when Moroccan electrification upgrade schemes take place. ONCFM placed a follow-up order for 30 locomotives in February 2018.
During November 2015, Alstom received a Letter of Award from the Ministry of Indian Railways to supply Indian Railways with 800 double section freight electric locomotives in class WAG-12, along with associated long-term maintenance. The total contract, which is worth in excess of €3 billion, shall also involve the establishment of a new assembly plant at Madhepura, in Bihar, as well as two maintenance depots at Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh and Nagpur, Maharashtra. The Prima locomotive for Indian Railways will be at the wheel rim and will run at a speed up to 120 km/h.