Canadian National Railway (CN) has unveiled a new medium-horsepower hybrid electric locomotive in collaboration with Knoxville Locomotive Works (KLW). The innovative locomotive will be tested across CN’s network as part of a pilot project to assess its potential for improving operational efficiency and reducing fuel consumption, aligning with the company’s push towards sustainable rail operations.
The hybrid locomotive, with a capacity of 3,200 horsepower (2,390 KW), is built on CN’s traditional low-horsepower locomotives used in yards and on branch lines. Equipped with a 2.4MWh-700HP battery-diesel engine, the locomotive is 100% biofuel-ready and features a modern control system. The design increases horsepower by up to 60% and aims to cut fuel consumption by approximately 50% compared to standard locomotives used in similar applications. The initiative also seeks to advance hybrid locomotive technology and contribute to immediate emissions reductions.
“This CN-led pilot represents another milestone in our sustainability journey and focus on emerging technologies. We believe that this hybrid system, if successful, could substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our yard operations, while maintaining our commitment to customers and communities across our network,” Patrick Whitehead, Executive Vice-President and Chief Network Operating Officer at CN, said.
The locomotive will be deployed in phases over the next six months across CN yards and branch lines, with testing initially in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The trial will later extend to operations in cold weather conditions in Western Canada. This phased testing approach aims to evaluate the locomotive’s efficiency and refine its operational protocols. The project is part of CN’s broader program to achieve net-zero emissions, complementing its previously announced locomotive pilots.
Founded in 1998, Knoxville Locomotive Works specializes in repowering, upgrading, and remanufacturing locomotives, including low-horsepower switchers and high-horsepower line-haul units. KLW’s locomotives meet EPA Tier 4 and CARB certification standards
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