Trains News Wire
Union Pacific to partner on construction of hybrid-electric locomotives
October 6, 2022
Railroad and technology firm ZTR will build six units at UP’s North Little Rock shops
OMAHA — Union Pacific, which has already made the biggest commitment to battery-electric locomotives of any North American Class I railroad, is taking another big step into alternative forms of motive power.
The company announced today (Thursday, Oct. 6) that it will partner with green technology firm ZTR to build hybrid-electric locomotives at its North Little Rock, Ark., shops. The prototype unit is expected to be delivered in late 2023 with five more locomotives constructed in 2024.
The hybrids, like a plug-in hybrid automobile, will offer multiple modes of operation and be able to charge onboard batteries in several ways, including wayside and onboard charging. They are planned to operate in mother-slug sets, with a diesel locomotive connected to a slug unit equipped with batteries, electronics, and controls supplied by ZTR.
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The new locomotives — to be converted from older, higher-emission units — will be used chiefly in yard operations, with the mother-slug configuration increasing the traction motors available for the pulling and braking power needed for such work. . . .