The first prototype ES 64 P was built in 1992, as Deutsche Bahn AG was expected to issue a large order of locomotives as a replacement for the ageing Einheits-Elektrolokomotiven.

The ES 64 F is an electric freight locomotive with 6,400 kW (8,600 hp) power and a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph).

The original German order of 195 units was reduced to 170, as the ÖBB decided that the track forces generated as a result of using nose-suspended traction motors exceeded standards and refused to certify them for use in Austria.

With Class 152 DB AG abandoned the CoCo wheel arrangement of the class 150 and 151; with the new digitally controlled anti wheel-slip control the tractive effort should be brought to bear more reliably: nonetheless, some engine drivers argue that in autumn, due to greater power and lighter weight, especially with slippery tracks, heavy trains are hard to accelerate.

The ES 64 F4 is an electric freight locomotive with 6,400 kW (8,600 hp) power and a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph), in Germany the reporting name is Class 189.

Because limited space inhibits installation of all safety systems, Class 189 is equipped with various packages giving partial European coverage, e. g. Germany and Switzerland.

Based on the Eurosprinter concept the ES 64 U was developed as a universal electric locomotive with a top speed of 230 km/h (140 mph).

[5] ES64 U and ES 64 U2 locomotives have become notable for the musical-sounding notes, said to resemble an alto saxophone, produced when a train is moving off.

24 of them, forming Class 19, are used in fixed consists on M6 rail cars with a GF automatic coupling in order to combine two sets together.

For the newly built crossing of the Danish straits (Great Belt Fixed Link) the Danske Statsbaner ordered 13 units of the Class EG which were delivered from 1999 to 2000.

Based on the Eurosprinter concept, the wheel arrangement was modified to Co'Co' in order to ensure maximum tractive effort on the ramps.

The concept is mostly identical the ES 64 P prototype, with changes to the power (5,000 kW or 6,700 hp) and the electric system (25 kV AC).

The Korail 8000 class electric locomotives are powerful but too slow (85 km/h or 53 mph maximum) to operate for general passenger train.

[12] On 4 April 2023, a DBAG Class 189 locomotive was hauling a freight train that collided with a road-rail crane obstructing the line at Voorschoten, South Holland, Netherlands.