In order to create an attractive offer for smaller railway companies, Siemens presented the Smartron in 2018 as a derivative of the Vectron. While the Vectron is available in different versions with different options and several country packages, there is only one version of the Smartron.

It basically corresponds to the Vectron AC Medium Power, i.e. as an AC variant with an hourly output of 5,600 kW. The maximum speed is 160 km/h and there is a train heater, even if the Smartron is mainly intended for freight transport. Capri blue is the only color available.

Siemens advertises the cost efficiency and the simple ordering process, since a pre-configured locomotive is available in a single variant. This already has certification for Germany, Romania and Bulgaria. Multiple working is possible with other Smartrons, the Vectron and the ES64F4.

At least 70 orders were placed between 2018 and the end of 2022. In Germany, the largest operator is the Paribus Group, which has placed 17 orders and eight options and leases these locomotives under the Northrail brand name. In Bulgaria, the state railway has purchased 15 locomotives. Otherwise, several companies in the three countries with certification each operate between one and six Smartrons.