The main traction electrical system consists of two pantographs (duplicated for redundancy) collecting a 25 kV AC supply which feeds the main transformer, with separate output windings rectified to a DC link (one per bogie) using four quadrant converters. The direct current drives a three-phase inverter, which powers two asynchronous three-phase induction motors. There are two additional output windings on the transformer for the locomotive's auxiliaries and to supply power to the train vehicles.

In the photo two of the rebuilt 9800 series locos - 9819 & 9821 can be seen waiting with their respective trains at the French terminal of EuroTunnel at Calais. These locos got rebuilt & upgraded from 7500hp to 9400 hp. Photographed by Bani Das on 8th May 2015.