The class 245 is the first in a new generation of multi-engine diesel locomotives based on Bombardier's successful TRAXX family. The designation assigned by the manufacturer consists of passenger, 160 km/h maximum speed, diesel-electric and multi-engine.

Since the 1970s, single-engine diesel locomotives have been preferred because the fewer parts made them easier to maintain than twin-engine ones. However, as aspects such as efficiency and environmental protection have become more and more important in the new millennium, the use of multiple engines has again become an alternative. In the class 245, four Caterpillar C18s, each with 563 kW and each with their own generator and cooling system, are used, which have already found widespread use in industry and in road and agricultural vehicles. This guarantees low maintenance costs. In addition, despite their complex design, modern common rail diesels can generally boast of high reliability. The independent control allows individual engines to be switched off depending on the required output, thus saving fuel. The electronics automatically regulate the use of the required engines and ensure that all four are worn out as equally as possible. The latest requirements for exhaust and noise emissions have been taken into account with a closed system for particle filtering and improved insulation.

The first customer for the class 245 was DB Regio, which signed a contract with Bombardier for 200 locomotives over a period of seven years. The plan is for a 245 to replace one or even two 218s at a time. The launch of the locomotives was plagued by many problems which persisted through 2019, leading to many cancellations and delays. These included overheating of the electrical system, clogged particle filters due to software errors or leaks in engine oil and cooling water.

In 2005, NRE used an older diesel locomotive for the first time to rebuild it as a multi-engine genset locomotive. The base was a Southern Pacific EMD MP15DC, originally built as a GP30. Instead of the 1,500 hp EMD 12-645E, two Cummins QSK19C, each with 700 hp, were used, both of which had their own generators. The driver's cab was here in the middle between the engines.

The type was called 2GS14B, which consists of two engines, “Gen Set”, 1,400 hp and wheel arrangement B-B. Other examples of this type have since been built on the basis of different four-axle road switchers, some of which had already been rebuilt. In most cases the cab stayed at one end of the locomotive. Other types with one to three engines soon emerged. Since then, other manufacturers, not only in the USA, have also been offering genset locomotives.

The most powerful design among NRE's multi-engine “N-ViroMotive” genset locomotives is the 2GS36C-DE. Its name stands for two engines with a total of 3,600 hp and three axles per bogie. Power comes from two Cummins QSK50L, each with 16 cylinders and 1,800 hp. The prototype was built in August 2011 on the frame of an EMD SD40-2. Since no further orders have followed and NRE's locomotives with the smaller QSK19 were more successful, only one prototype remained.

In 2023, NRE manufactured a total of five six-axle freight locomotives for the Australian railway company “El Zorro”. These each have six overhauled D78 traction motors from EMD, which are powered by three Cummins QSK19C, each with around 750 hp. When the first two locomotives were on their way to Australia, El Zorro was liquidated. These two were sold to Bowmans Rail after interim storage at Port Kembla. One of the three locomotives remaining in the USA was delivered to Caraminer S.A. in Uruguay in 2021.

Railpower Technologies, a subsidiary of the R.J. Corman Railroad Group, offers to rebuild existing diesel locomotives to new, energy-saving and environmentally friendly GenSet locomotives. The RP20BD is a four-axle road switcher based on the EMD GP9 or GP38 or on the GE B23-7 or B30-7. Three Deutz V8 engines provide a total of 1,800 to 2,000 hp, while individual engines are being turned off depending on power demands. As Opposed to the RP20CD, the limited length of the locomotive doesn't allow the installation of a fourth engine.