Wabtec FLXDrive | |
Powertype: | Battery-electric |
Builder: | Wabtec/GE Transportation |
Builddate: | December 2019 - Present |
Totalproduction: | 1 (18 on order) |
Aarwheels: | A1A-A1A |
Trucks: | GE Hi-Ad |
Maxspeed: | 750NaN0 |
Poweroutput: | 44002NaN2 |
The Wabtec FLXDrive platform (pronounced "flex-drive") is a class of battery-electric locomotives manufactured by Wabtec's GE Transportation subsidiary beginning in 2019. Using a modified version of the GE Evolution Series platform, FLXdrive is Wabtec's first zero-emissions locomotive, storing energy in 20 racks of lithium-ion battery cells.[1] FLXDrive is a hybrid-electric locomotive, meaning it works in conjunction with traditional diesel-electric locomotives to provide regenerative braking for a train. The first-generation locomotives (with a capacity of 2.4 MWh) are able to operate 30 to 40 minutes at full power when being not connected to another locomotive.[2]
The first prototype locomotive, number 3000, was successfully tested on BNSF Railway in 2021 and found to reduce fuel consumption when paired with conventional diesel-electric locomotives. Since 2020, FLXDrive locomotives have been ordered by Union Pacific, Canadian National, Rio Tinto, BHP, and Roy Hill. The first locomotives are scheduled to enter service in 2023.[3]
In 2022, Wabtec announced a line of battery-electric locomotives including six-axle, four-axle, and foreign market variants.[4] Wabtec plans to market the FLXDrive in tandem with hydrogen-powered locomotives, allowing the two types to complement each other.[5]
On October 31, 2023, Wabtec unveiled the first production FLXDrive locomotive planned for delivery to the Australian Roy Hill ore railway in 2024.[6]
Owner | |||
---|---|---|---|
BHP | 2 | ||
Canadian National | 1 | ||
Rio Tinto | 4 | ||
Roy Hill | 1 | ||
Union Pacific | 10 | ||
Total | 18 |