In 1933 the DRG invited tenders for development of an electric express locomotive. As early as two years later AEG supplied the first engines of the new E 18 series. These locomotives proved extremely powerful and reached a maximum speed of 150 km/h (as of the mid-seventies this speed was reduced to 140 km/h to use the engines less). As the strongest single underframe locomotive, it was awarded a Grand Prix at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1937.
Until 1945, 53 engines were put into service, which were followed by another two after 1950. After World War II, 41 units remained with the DB, of which the last ones were taken out of service in the middle of 1984. The locomotives E 18 03, E 18 08 and E 18 047 are still kept in operational condition by the DB to be used for special outings.
