The locomotives are based on a technology transfer agreement between
Siemens and
Zhuzou Electric locomotive works (ZELW). The first three locomotives were built by Siemens in
Austria, and the remaining 17 were built in China. The first china manufactured unit was produced in 2002. Production of the locomotive ended in 2003. The locomotives were used to haul coal trains on the
Daqin line. As more powerful locomotive models
HXD1 and
HXD2 entered Daqin line since 2006, the 20 DJ1s were allocated to Xi'an Railway Bureau to haul freight trains running between Baoji and Qinling. ==See also==