[citation needed] The first 30 locomotives of Class BB 36000 were built as a result of a modification of an order for 264 of the dual voltage SNCF Class BB 26000 (Sybic); instead only 234 Sybics were built, the last 30 of the order were instead built as a triple voltage design capable of also operating under 3 kV DC with a different electric motor type (AC induction) and newer power semiconductor device technology (GTO type);[6][7] the multi-voltage specifications came from an expected increase in cross-border traffic, as encouraged by the European Union's specification of "freight corridors".

[8] The locomotives were designed to achieve the same traction performance when operated under 25 kV AC, and 3 and 1.5 kV DC;[9] Other design features required or introduced were conformity with European electromagnetic interference standard EN 50121, increased energy efficiency (using regenerative braking), water cooled power electronics,[note 1] and (partial) redundancy of components on failure, and improved maintainability.

Dynamic rheostatic electrical braking effort is dissipated through electronically switched resistances connected to the DC link.

Two of them supply variable speed and voltage power for cooling fans for the traction motors, transformer, rheostatic brake, locomotive main electronics block.

Another one supplies fixed voltage and frequency (air compressor, oil pumps, other loads), the inverters are switchable with one unit providing redundancy.

8 units of the BB36300 subclass were created with the same modifications as the BB36200 plus the addition of the SAFI (Signal d'Alarme à Freinage Inhibable) safety system.

[15][16] Since 2003, rolling road trains (operated by Trenitalia / SNCF Geodis subsidiary AFA Autostrada Ferroviaria Alpina) have been hauled by Astride units between Aiton, Savoie, France and Orbassano, Italy using Modalohr wagons.