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9/26/2022
Progress Rail announced late last week it will supply up to four EMD® Joule battery-electric locomotives to BNSF Railway Co.
Funded in part by grants, the zero-exhaust emission locomotives will replace BNSF diesel units operating in Southern California, with charging systems for continuous operation, Progress Rail officials said in a press release.
Progress Rail will deliver the first battery-electric locomotive with 8 MWh of storage capacity, making the SD70J units the largest battery-electric locomotives in North America, they said.
"The Joule locomotive is an exciting advancement in battery-electric locomotive technology with more energy storage and faster charging," said John Lovenburg, BNSF’s vice president of environment and sustainability. "The project is well aligned with BNSF’s commitment to innovation and leadership in sustainable freight."
When delivered in 2024, the BNSF locomotives would operate in yards and on routes in Southern California. Progress Rail will supply two charging stations.
Financial details for the arrangement were not disclosed.