Today, ZTR, a pioneer in locomotive control systems and a green technology business, and Union Pacific Railroad jointly announced plans to construct hybrid-electric locomotives.

The locomotives will be produced at a Union Pacific facility in North Little Rock, Arkansas, with the first prototype arriving in the latter half of 2023 and the remaining five units following in 2024.

Similar to today’s plug-in hybrid vehicles, the locomotives operate in a variety of modes and have multiple charging options, including onboard and wayside charging.

Shane Keller, senior vice president of engineering and mechanical at Union Pacific, said: “Adding hybrid-electric locomotives to our fleet is another significant step for Union Pacific as we seek to explore ‘drop-in’ technologies that improve current systems and lower our carbon footprint.” “This pilot will evaluate the technology’s viability for broader use across our locomotive fleet, while also advancing our commitment to achieving our sustainability goals and making our fleet more fuel-efficient.”

Source: Prnewswire