Baureihe (Class) 145, "daughter" of the 101 and "mother" of the 146, is one of the electric locomotives designed to replace old (mainly 143) engines with Deutsche Bahn's midrange passenger and medium freight services.
Development of what would become the 145, 101 and 152 classes began in 1993. The first units, built by Bombardier, went into service around 1999.
Technical fact sheet:
- Concept: Bo'Bo' layout (four axles in two bogies), all axles driven, disc brakes; German 15 kV/16-2/3 Hz catenary AC is transformed into rotary current for the four motors by electronical power converters; regenerative braking
- Power: 4,200 kW maximum
- Traction: 300 kN maximum, 264 kN sustained at 58 km/h, 96 kN at top speed
- Top speed: 140 km/h
- Total weight: 80 tonnes (20 tonnes per axle)
- Length: 18.95 m
- Distance between axles in bogie: 2.6 m
- Diameter of driven wheels: 1.25 m
Yes, these are nearly the same data as for the 146, as the only real difference between them is the drivetrain. The 146's drive is more complex and more suitable for higher speeds, but more expensive and slightly heavier. Thus, while the 145 is only permitted a top speed of 140 km/h, the 146 is allowed to do 160, in order to pull RE160 trains, for example.
For this reason, 145 are mainly in use with DB Cargo, for freight service.