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5/2/2024
The first of six hybrid battery-electric locomotives designed and built by Union Pacific Railroad and rail technology company ZTR will undergo extensive testing next month in a UP facility and yard.
The first of its kind in North America's freight-rail industry, the prototype has the capacity to run on both diesel and batteries, much like today’s plug-in hybrid cars, UP reported in its Inside Track blog.
The next of the remaining five hybrid locomotives is expected to be ready for testing next year.
"This is an incredibly exciting pilot project with great potential to improve the fuel efficiency of our locomotive fleet," said UP President Beth Whited. "It underscores our strong commitment to exploring and developing alternative energy sources while reducing our carbon footprint and advancing our sustainability goals."
ZTR designed the locomotive's hybrid propulsion technology, while UP built the prototype at its North Little Rock, Arkansas, facility.
"The development of the ZTR BLU™ Technology platform is one of the most significant projects for [us] to date and will be the basis for further advancements in sustainable solutions, including emission-free locomotives," said ZTR President and CEO Sam Hassan.
The hybrid locomotives will operate as "mother-slug" units, with one locomotive running on diesel and an accessory or “slug” unit providing battery power. The batteries will have multiple charging options, including wayside charging and onboard self-charging capabilities.