USA: Progress Rail is to supply BNSF with ‘up to four’ EMD Joule SD70J battery locomotives and two charging stations for demonstration in southern California from 2024.
The manufacturer said they would be the largest battery electric locomotives in North America, with a capacity of 8 MWh.
The order is being supported by grant funding for the replacement of diesel locos in the region.
‘The project is well aligned with BNSF’s commitment to innovation and leadership in sustainable freight’, said John Lovenburg, BNSF’s Vice-President of Environment & Sustainability, on September 23.
‘We are focused on continuing to reduce the environmental impact in the communities where we operate and proud to do our part to assess the commercial and operational viability of emerging technologies that reduce emissions.’
