CN purchases Wabtec's battery-electric locomotive

CN has purchased a Wabtec Corp. FLXdrive battery-electric freight locomotive, the first 100% battery heavy-haul locomotive for the region in support of the railroad’s sustainability goals, the Class I announced today.

The new technology is a key component in achieving an effective transition to a lower carbon future, CN officials said in a press release. Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection awarded financial support for the initiative under the Marine and Rail Freight Movers Grant Program.

The unit will be CN's first battery-electric freight locomotive. Wabtec's next-generation FLXdrive technology can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 30%, according to the company.

"As part of our sustainability strategy to reduce freight transportation emissions through innovation, we plan to continue to lead the sector by deploying low and no carbon technologies," said CN President and CEO Jean-Jacques Ruest. "At CN, we believe rail has a tremendous potential to reduce the environmental impact of transportation. As a mover of the economy, CN is committed to playing a key role in the transition to low-carbon economy."