After the turn of the millennium, the RŽD needed a new heavy freight electric locomotive for its network with 3,000 volts DC, whereupon the 2ЭС4К (2ES4K) was developed. This was primarily intended to replace the older two-section locomotives of the ВЛ10 and ВЛ11 series, which were built more than 2,000 times. In order to accelerate the development and to be able to set up large-scale production in a short time, the aim was to have as many identical parts as possible with the 2ЭС5К AC locomotive. This in turn was based on the ВЛ80, which had been in use since 1961.

Like the locomotives to be replaced, the 2ЭС4К consists of two sections, each with two two-axle bogies. As with older DC locomotives, the traction motors are traditionally controlled via series and parallel circuits and resistors. The only new thing is a microprocessor control that monitors various aspects.

As of mid-2020, 148 2ЭС4К and four 2ЕЛ4 for Ukraine had been produced, showing some variations. By using additional center sections without driver's cabs, 76 3ЭС4К were built up to the same time, each with a total output of 9,600 kW. The locomotives are used in two regions in the North Caucasus and on the October line between Moscow and St. Petersburg.