Since the existing B-B electric locomotives of the Midi could not reach speeds of more than 100 km/h, an express locomotive was required. As in other countries at that time, the choice fell on a locomotive with driving axles mounted in the frame and carrying axles which were movable. The design of the running gear came from the E 3100 with a 2-C-2 wheel arrangement and was expanded to include an additional driving axle. 

The first series of six machines was delivered by CEF in 1932 and had a transmission that also came from CEF. Alsthom delivered 18 more in 1935 and 1936. These had the AEG Kleinow spring pot drive, which could be used thanks to German war reparations. Although the electrical equipment was reliable, the chassis design showed deficiencies. Since the centering devices of the bogies were too strong, the rails suffered heavy wear and the running characteristics at speed were poor.

Due to the problems with the chassis, the maximum speed was reduced first to 110, then to 105 and finally to 100 km/h. Thus the locomotives, which from 1938 were used by the SNCF as 2D2 5001 to 5024, no longer had any advantages over their predecessors with the B-B wheel arrangement. From 1939 they were only used in front of normal passenger and freight trains. After attempts to improve the running gear failed in 1951 and the CC 7100 was soon ready for use, they were almost exclusively used in front of freight trains. Their service finally ended in 1969.