Amid the fulfillment of DRS' order for the Class 68, Vossloh's team proposed the development of a dual-mode locomotive that could be alternatively powered by an onboard diesel engine or via electricity supplied from overhead lines (OHLE).

[1] Vossloh undertook development of the Class 68 over an 18-month period, during which the company studied several derivatives and modifications, including the use of alternative powerplants.

Having presented such proposals to DRS, the latter became particularly interested in the electro-diesel arrangement, as the company's management recognised there was a potential role for a dual-mode locomotive in the UK market.

This is a range of dual-mode locomotives that are fitted both with a pantograph, to collect electricity from overhead wires, and a Caterpillar diesel engine.

[1] During April 2016, the first example of the class, 88001, was dispatched to the Velim Test Centre in the Czech Republic, which it was subject to a series of proving trials.

The various electrified lines of the UK feature around 35 different variations of catenary; the interface between these diverse types and the Class 88's pantograph was a critical part of the acceptance process.

[1] During January 2017, 88002 Prometheus became the first of the class to be delivered to the UK, arriving via the Port of Southampton and being transferred by road to the Carlisle Kingmoor TMD.

[9] 88 002 was initially used for homologation purposes to secure approval from the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) for the type's operation in the UK.

[1] During July 2017, it was announced that the Class 88 had entered into revenue service with DRS in the previous month, three examples having been used to haul freight trains within the first four weeks of operations.

Initially, use of the onboard diesel engines was avoided while sufficient training was delivered to all drivers on the class and minor modifications were being made by the manufacturer.