Montreal-based rail transportation company CN recently announced it is testing three locomotives and is working to transform two other locomotives into hybrid-electric platforms with AC traction technology by the end of the year.
“This milestone represents another important step in CN’s locomotive innovation and modernization journey,” Patrick Whitehead, CN executive vice-president and CEO, said. “By repowering and enhancing existing yard locomotives, we are being more efficient while supporting service to our customers and more sustainable operations for the long term.”
The technology is expected to reduce emissions, extend asset life and improve fuel efficiency, reliability and operational performance. It features a solid-state battery, increased horsepower compared to traditional locomotives, and AC traction motors integrated into a DC motor frame while maintaining the same truck interface.
The announcement follows a successful pilot project in which CN tested a hybrid locomotive. The locomotive achieved significant reductions in traditional engine-related failures, up to a 50 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, and reduced idling contributing to lower noise and emissions. Tests was conducted in hot and extreme cold conditions.
CN’s nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast.