In 2012 CSR began testing of a revised version of the locomotive, built by using higher levels of domestically sourced equipment.

In 2013, CSR delivered 2 3xBo'Bo' to Shenhua Group (14.4 MW), directly derived from "normal" HXD1, but with a modernized driver cab.

In 2020, CRRC produced a 6xBo'Bo' for China Energy Investment the parent holding company of Shenhua Group.

[4] The locomotives were built for heavy coal trains; in particular the Datong to Qinhuangdao line (Daqin Railway).

[8] On the Daqin line the twin unit locomotives typically operate in pairs and triplets, both double headed and distributed along the train.