CN purchases first hybrid diesel-battery electric mainline locomotive

CN (CNI) announced the purchase of its first hybrid diesel-battery electric mainline locomotive from Progress Rail, a Caterpillar (CAT) Company, as part of its decarbonization plans. The EMD will be tested to understand the potential impact and opportunity related to retrofitting a larger portion of the Company’s fleet. CN is collaborating on this initiative with the Province of British Columbia who awarded approximately $3.2M to the Company under the Clean BC Go Electric Commercial Vehicle Pilots Program. The plug-in hybrid mainline locomotive, a first of its kind in North America, will be evaluated on CN’s mainline in British Columbia, starting in Prince George and the northern part of the province, under varying operational and weather conditions. The testing will increase CN’s and the rail industry’s knowledge on battery technology and more specifically, on the impact of alternative propulsion technology on mainline locomotives. As different alternative propulsion solutions will require batteries – including hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell locomotives – CN anticipates this initiative will contribute to further develop this key technology, while immediately reducing emissions.