The 10E is a six-axle freight locomotive for service under 3 kV DC. It has an hourly output of 3,240 kW, a top speed of 90 km/h and a starting tractive effort of 450 kN or 100,000 pounds. Continuously variable power control was realized with choppers. Also the power for regenerative or rheostatic braking can be varied with the choppers. Every locomotive has two cabs and can operate in multiple.

A total of 175 were built by Union Carriage & Wagon in four batches. The first batch was built in 1985 and 1986 with electric equipment from Toshiba. The second batch was built between 1987 and 1989 and also included 50 locomotives. These had electric equipment from General Electric, were one tonne heavier and were called 10E1. In 1989, 25 locomotives were built again with Toshiba electrics and designated 10E2. A second batch of the GE-powered 10E1 of 50 locomotives was built between 1990 and 1993.