In 2020, the Bulgarian state railroad BDZ signed a contract with Siemens for the delivery of 15 “Smartron” locomotives, which was the first new purchase of locomotives since 1987. These were delivered in 2021. In December 2023, a further delivery of 10 locomotives was agreed, the first of which was delivered at the end of 2024. In Pleven, "Smartron" 80 # 053 (91 52 1080 053-7 BG-BDZPP = Konstantin Tih Asen) meets in front of ICF (Inter City Fast) 2616 from Varna to Sofia with diesel railcar 19001.7 from 1960, which is traveling for SERVRAIL from Switzerland from Kostinbrod to Gorna Orjahovica.
