Because this line had steep inclines, but connecting this isolated branch to the main traction network would have been very expensive, the Deutsche Reichsbahn electrified it in 1965 with a 25 kV 50 Hz system, which was different from the usual German catenary supply of 15 kV 16⅔ Hz.

Apart from 171 001 and 171 002, which were returned to their original state and placed under conservation protection, almost all locomotives are in the old Bw Zwickau, where they are awaiting future duties in southeast Europe.

Electrification of this engine's main route with a 25 kV catenary system had eventually to be carried out both for noise and environmental protection reasons and it was even joined for a while in 2004 by locomotives of classes 185 and 189.

Previously 2⁄3 of the transport duties were allocated to the Osthavelländische Eisenbahn (today hvle), so the provision of electric locomotives by Railion was now no longer sufficiently economic.

The introduction of DB Railion locomotives of Classes 233 and 241 ended on 31 March 2006, because the Fels-Werke factory switched all its contracts from 1 April 2006 to the hvle and its Blue Tiger fleet.

All other engines of Class 171 were transferred to Zwickau following the termination of their service by Railion Deutschland AG.

This fate was planned for the remaining locomotives in Zwickau, they were to be likewise operated by a Railion subsidiary in Romania.