The E 445 was based on the E 44 101, one of the prototypes for the successful E 44. Its prototype E 44 501 and the eight production locomotives were specifically ordered for the line between Bad Reichenhall and Berchtesgaden. They could be distinguished from the standard E 44 by their missing short hoods and different bogies.
The prototype and the first four production locomotives were built in 1932 and had an output of 1,600 kW. The four built in the following year had 2,200 kW like the standard E 44. The 501 was already withdrawn in 1959, but the others became 144 502 to 144 509 in 1968. Three have been preserved with 507 being the only one that is in working order. 502 and 508 are both on display in Freilassing