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1/16/2025
CN today announced it has begun a pilot project involving the use of a medium-horsepower hybrid electric locomotive developed in collaboration with Knoxville Locomotive Works.
The hybrid locomotive will undergo testing in various operational conditions across CN’s network as a pilot project to evaluate its potential to enhance operational efficiency and fuel savings, CN officials said in a press release.
The 3,200-medium-horsepower hybrid unit is built on a traditional CN low-horsepower locomotive operating in yards and branch lines. It includes a modern control system, increased horsepower of up to 60%, powered by a 2.4MWh-700HP battery-diesel engine that is 100% biofuel ready. The hybrid system targets up to approximately 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to a typical locomotive used in similar operations today.
The hybrid locomotive will be deployed in phases over the next six months across several CN yards and branch lines, including locations in Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana. Eventually, testing will also include operations in cold weather conditions in Western Canada.
The phased approach will enable CN to evaluate efficiency and operating protocols for the locomotive, CN officials said. The project is part of CN’s program to meet the deep decarbonization required to achieve net-zero emissions, with the other previously announced locomotive pilots.
“This CN-led pilot represents another milestone in our sustainability journey and focus on emerging technologies. We believe that this hybrid system, if successful, could substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our yard operations, while maintaining our commitment to customers and communities across our network," said Patrick Whitehead, CN's executive vice president and chief network operating officer.