Grand Canyon Railway wins CRISI grant to build battery-powered locomotive

The Grand Canyon Railway has been awarded a $3.4 million federal grant that will go toward the cost of converting one of its classic diesel locomotives into a zero-emission, battery-powered locomotive.

The grant was awarded through the  Federal Railroad Administration's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program.

Grand Canyon Railway transports passengers on a scenic route from Williams, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon’s south rim. The converted locomotive will operate on a single battery charge and feature regenerative braking, which captures enough energy during the train’s 64-mile route to recharge the battery by 30%, Grand Canyon Railway officials said in a press release.

The CRISI grant will fund 80% of the cost to construct the battery electric locomotive, which is expected to be in service by 2027.

“This project is a unique chance to bring modern efficiency to a historic rail icon,” said Eric Hadder, chief mechanical officer at Grand Canyon Railway. “We are proud that the locomotive will be constructed by the railway’s own employees in our Williams Locomotive Shop.”