[i] The locomotives are also classified as Prima DE30BAC[4] They are similar in appearance to the SNCF Class BB 27000, but are in fact the result of a collaboration between Alstom and Siemens.

It is based on the idea of a single multipurpose engine of medium power (1800 kW) similar to designs already available.

These units would be used in multiple when necessary to provide a lower cost alternative to the expense of designing a high powered 6 axle from scratch.

The contract was signed on 27 February 2004, and was substantially different from the original specifications published in 2000— not 124 but 400 new machines (all of medium power), which will reduce the average age of the locomotive freight fleet to 15 – 20 years.

In February 2007 the order allowing entry into commercial operation was given by the Établissement public de sécurité ferroviaire (EPSF) and issued to Fret SNCF on 27 March.

All new BB 75000 are received at the Gare de Longueau on the TER Picardie line in Amiens - where they will help replace the SNCF Class BB 67400 working between northern France and Belgium; from there they will be divided between two depots: They are primarily used on journeys of less than 400 km with train weight up to 1800 tonnes, above this mass multiple traction is employed.

Their first placements are in the north of France plus the Île-de-France from June 11 (Massy, Le Bourget, Vaires-sur-Marne and Troyes).