The nicknames for these locomotives are "Siperian susi" (Wolf of Siberia; in Finnish slang "susi" can also mean a poorly manufactured object, compare English "dog" or "lemon"),[1] "Kaalihäkki" (Cabbage Cage)[1] and "Sähköryssä" (Electric Russkie).

In 1970, Valtionrautatiet ordered 27 electric locomotives from Energomachexport, which were delivered between September 1973 and the end of the year 1975.

The stripes were later replaced with yellow warning panels (resembling stylised wings) below the cab windows.

Electrical equipment for the locomotives was supplied by the Finnish company Oy Strömberg (later part of ABB).

[5]In December 2013 VR announced an order for 80 new electric locomotives to replace the Sr1 Class.