[11][12] All locomotives are intended for heavy freight work, including coal trains on the Datong Qinhuangdao line (Daqin Railway).

In 2012 CNR Datong announced a new sub-version of the HXD2 class, built using fully localised production; the HXD2-1000 series.

In 2014 a new localised variant, in 2(Bo′Bo′) wheel arrangement and 9.6MW power, with axle load of 27tonnes (up to 30 tonnes on specialised line) was unveiled, designated HXD2F, and officially nicknamed 超级大力士(Super Strongman).

[7] An (€350 million) order for 180 locomotives was placed (2005),[2][15] of which the initial 12 would be made in France, then 24 supplied for assembly, the remainder being produced in China.

[8] In August 2012 CNR Datong announced the production of a new variant of its twin section, 8 axle, 10MW freight locomotive using domestically produced traction and control systems; the first unit was numbered HXD2-1001.

In April 2014 two indigenous two-unit (Bo′Bo′)-(Bo′Bo′) locomotives were unveiled by CNR Datong, nicknamed “超级大力士” (trans.

In October 2010 Belorusskaja Železnaja Doroga ordered 12 units of a derived variant of the HXD2 two-section locomotive,[20] to be designated BCG-1.

The locomotive type is derived from technology used in the 'Harmony' (HXD) series, and has been named "超级大力士",[22] (literal: "Super Strongman").