The unveiling of new locomotives leased via RS Lease took place at the Bratislava hlavné locomotive depot on 8 July 2025 and is part of ZSSK’s ongoing locomotive modernisation programme. The updated livery draws on previous branding efforts and features five Slovak mountains as visual motifs.
Visual identity based on national peaks
The locomotives display stylised interpretations of five Slovak summits—Kriváň, Lomnický Peak, Gerlachovský Peak, Vršatec, and Veľký Rozsutec. Each peak was selected for its visual and symbolic significance. According to ZSSK, the updated design follows the theme of its recent recruitment campaign, aiming to combine visual identity with the concept of regional connection.
The visuals were created in cooperation with the agency THIS IS LOCCO. A minimalist line-based design was applied, using pastel colour tones intended to complement the natural landscape along the train’s operating corridors.
Fleet and operation
The locomotives involved are Siemens Vectrons, certified for multi-country operations and equipped with ETCS Level 2. They are interoperable in Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany. Maximum operational speed is 200 km/h.
According to ZSSK, ten locomotives featuring the new designs are scheduled to be in service by the end of 2025, with a total of fifteen units expected to carry the updated visuals in future years. These locomotives will gradually replace older rolling stock, including Class 350 units.
