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Automakers have hybrid versions of some of their popular cars. Now, GE – Transportation is unveiling a hybrid version of its popular environmentally friendly locomotive.

At an event to be held today in Los Angeles, GE will introduce a demonstration unit of the Evolution® Hybrid locomotive, which is designed to recycle thermal energy as stored power in on-board batteries.

Based on GE’s Evolution® Series locomotive, the 4,400-horsepower hybrid diesel-electric prototype features a series of batteries to capture and store energy dissipated during dynamic braking. The stored energy will reduce fuel consumption and emissions by as much as 10 percent compared with conventional freight locomotives, according to GE.

“This locomotive will reduce emissions while providing operating benefits to our customers that transport consumer goods and other raw materials by recapturing the energy wasted during train braking,” said GE – Transportation Engineering Leader Steve Gray in a prepared statement.

Several customers, including BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad, serve on GE’s advisory board and are helping the company develop the hybrid technology.

Before GE markets the hybrid locomotive, the company’s engineering team will continue to analyze and develop lead-free rechargeable batteries and corresponding on-board control systems for the locomotive. GE plans to produce pre-production units for field testing after lab work is completed.