BNSF Railway Company, which specializes in freight transportation, announced that it has joined Wabtec, a leading global provider of equipment and digital solutions for freight and transit rail, in testing battery-electric locomotives technology in revenue service between Barstow and Stockton, Calif.
“We’ve got everything in place and we’re ready to see how this next-generation locomotive performs in revenue service,” John Lovenburg, BNSF vice president, Environmental, said. “BNSF is focused on continuing to reduce our environmental impact, and we’re committed to doing our part to test and assess the commercial viability of emerging technologies that reduce emissions.”
The advancement of battery technology offers possible solutions to reduce BNSF’s environmental impact, the company said.
The test involves the battery-powered locomotive being situated in a consist between two Tier 4 locomotives – creating a battery-electric hybrid consist. Additionally, both the battery-electric and diesel locomotives will power the train when running on the mainline.
According to authorities, the pilot test is slated to be executed from January until the end of March, indicating if the first pilot proves successful, BNSF will look to expand testing to other locations and operating conditions on its system.
“The FLXdrive is the world’s first 100-percent, heavy-haul battery-electric locomotive that optimizes the total energy utilization of the entire locomotive consist,” Alan Hamilton, Wabtec vice president, Engineering, said. “This technology works in a manner very similar to how electric vehicles use regenerative braking. It’s a significant step forward for the rail industry and will change the course for even cleaner, more energy-efficient transport.”