Wabtec, GM to develop advanced battery and hydrogen fuel cell

Wabtec Corp. and General Motors will collaborate to develop and commercialize GM's Ultium battery technology and Hydrotec hydrogen fuel cell systems for Wabtec locomotives.

Wabtec and GM signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding to advance the their shared vision of a zero-emissions future in transportation, officials from both companies said in a press release issued yesterday.

Wabtec will provide its expertise in energy management and systems optimization to develop a solution for heavy haul locomotives that take advantage of GM's advanced technologies.

"By working with GM on Ultium battery and Hydrotec hydrogen fuel cell technologies, we can accelerate the rail industry's path to decarbonization and pathway to zero-emission locomotives by leveraging these two important propulsion technologies," said Wabtec President and Chief Executive Officer Rafael Santana.

GM's Ultium battery technology is designed to provide the flexibility, efficiency, power and reliability needed for rail. Ultium Cells LLC, GM's joint venture with LG Energy Solution, is currently constructing battery cell plants in Ohio and Tennessee.