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4/5/2024
CN has purchased its first hybrid diesel-battery electric mainline locomotive from Progress Rail, the Class I announced today.
The EMD® unit will be tested to understand the potential impact and opportunity related to retrofitting a larger portion of the railroad's fleet. CN is collaborating on the initiative with the province of British Columbia, which awarded CA$3.2 million to the railroad under the Clean BC Go Electric Commercial Vehicle Pilots Program, CN officials said in a press release.
The plug-in hybrid mainline locomotive — a first of its kind in North America — will be evaluated on CN's mainline in British Columbia, starting in Prince George and the northern part of the province, under varying operational and weather conditions, they said.
The testing is expected to increase CN's and the rail industry’s knowledge on battery technology and, more specifically, on the impact of alternative propulsion technology on mainline locomotives. As different alternative propulsion solutions will require batteries — including hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell locomotives — the Class I anticipates the initiative will further develop the technology, while immediately reducing emissions, CN officials said.
"We know rail is part of the climate solution and we are determined to do our part by setting ambitious science-based targets. Today’s announcement is another milestone on moving forward toward a more sustainable future," said Patrick Whitehead, CN's executive vice president and chief network operating officer.