Baureihe (Class) 101 is Deutsche Bahn's top class of high-speed electrical locomotives. Built by ADtranz from 1996 through 1999, nicknamed "Coke can" for their fire-engine red, smooth-hulled looks, 101 locos power DB's fast InterCity and EuroCity passenger trains; a 101 is capable of pulling a 500-tonne train up a 0.5% slope at 220 km/h.

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
  • Power: 6,600 kW maximum, 6,400 kW sustained, -6,600 kW when electrically braking
  • Traction: 300 kN maximum, 104 kN sustained
  • Top speed: 220 km/h allowed, 250 km/h technically feasible
  • Total weight: 86.9 tonnes (21.7 tonnes per axle)
  • Length: 18.95 m
  • Distance between bogies: 10.95 m
  • Distance between axles in bogie: 2.65 m
  • Width: 2.95
  • Diameter of driven wheels: 1.25 m
  • Number in service: 145