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Highlights
- CN introduces medium horsepower hybrid locomotive for testing in diverse operational conditions.
- New hybrid system targets up to 50% reduction in fuel consumption and immediate emissions cuts.
- Pilot project includes deployments in Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Western Canada.
CN (TSX:CNR) is proud to announce the launch of its new medium horsepower hybrid electric locomotive, developed in collaboration with Knoxville Locomotive Works (KLW). This cutting-edge locomotive will undergo extensive testing across CN’s network as part of a pilot project aimed at evaluating its potential to enhance operational efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and contribute to CN’s sustainability goals.
Key Features of the New Hybrid Locomotive
The new 3,200 medium horsepower hybrid unit is based on CN’s traditional low horsepower locomotive model, commonly used in yards and branch lines. The hybrid locomotive features a state-of-the-art control system and boasts an increased horsepower of up to 60%, powered by a 2.4MWh-700HP battery-diesel engine that is fully biofuel ready. This modern system is expected to achieve approximately a 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to conventional locomotives operating in similar conditions today.
The hybrid system marks a significant advancement in CN’s efforts to modernize its operations and reduce its environmental footprint. By integrating hybrid technology, CN expects to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in its yard operations, which will contribute to the company’s deep decarbonization strategy towards achieving net-zero emissions.
Testing and Phased Deployment
The hybrid locomotive will be deployed in phases across CN’s network over the next six months, with initial testing set to take place in several CN yards and branch lines, including locations in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. In the future, the testing will extend to cold weather conditions in Western Canada to assess the locomotive’s performance in diverse environmental conditions.
Patrick Whitehead, Executive Vice-President and Chief Network Operating Officer of CN, shared his enthusiasm about the project: “This CN-led pilot represents another milestone in our sustainability journey and focus on emerging technologies. We believe that this hybrid system, if successful, could substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our yard operations, while maintaining our commitment to customers and communities across our network.”
This pilot is part of CN’s broader program to implement new, environmentally friendly technologies as the company works towards its goal of achieving net-zero emissions. The testing of hybrid locomotives will also complement previous locomotive pilots announced by CN, which are part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability.
CN’s Commitment to Sustainability
As one of North America's largest transportation providers, CN plays a crucial role in powering the economy through the safe and efficient transportation of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods. With a nearly 20,000-mile rail network connecting Canada’s East and West coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the Gulf of Mexico, CN has long been committed to sustainable trade practices and the prosperity of the communities it serves.
The introduction of the hybrid electric locomotive is a pivotal step in CN’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and continue its leadership in sustainable transportation. The company remains dedicated to exploring innovative solutions to further reduce emissions and improve the efficiency of its operations, helping to drive a cleaner and more sustainable future for the rail industry.
