The new locomotives will work as a plug-in hybrid car and can be charged in multiple ways, including wayside and onboard charging.
The firms will replace two locomotives with one diesel locomotive, known as ‘mother slug,’ which will be connected to an accessory or slug. The slug unit will be equipped with batteries, power electronics and controls from ZTR. This will enable the ‘mother-slug’ to operate in single engine, battery charging or electric only modes.
The new locomotives will be used for yard operations. This engineless slug will increase traction motors and boost the pulling and braking power of the locomotive.
“Adding hybrid-electric locomotives to our fleet is another important step for Union Pacific as we work to explore ‘drop-in’ technologies that modify current systems and reduce our carbon footprint”, said Union Pacific’s Senior Vice President of Engineering and Mechanical Shane Keller. “This pilot will help make our fleet more fuel efficient and further advance our commitment to reaching our sustainability goals, while testing the technology’s capability for expanded use across our locomotive fleet.”
The first prototype of the locomotive will be delivered in late 2023 and another five will be delivered in 2024.
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Union Pacific published its first comprehensive Climate Action Plan in December 2021, outlining its efforts to significantly reduce emissions within its operations. As part of that commitment, Union Pacific will reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 26% by 2030 and achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Earlier this year, Union Pacific announced a historic agreement with Wabtec Corporation for 600 locomotive modernizations, the largest investment in modernized locomotives in rail industry history valued at more than $1 billion, as well as the purchase of the world’s largest carrier-owned battery-electric locomotive fleet.
