CN has deployed a new medium-horsepower hybrid electric locomotive developed in collaboration with Knoxville Locomotive Works (KLW).
The 3,200-hp hybrid unit, numbered 7100, is based on a CN low-horsepower diesel-electric locomotive operating in yards and on branch lines. Powered by a 2.4 MWh/700-hp, 100% biofuel-ready battery-diesel engine and equipped with an upgraded control system, it offers a horsepower increase of up to 60%, The hybrid system targets up to an approximately 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to a diesel-electric locomotive used in similar operations.
No. 7100 will undergo testing in various operational conditions across CN’s network as a pilot project “to evaluate its potential to enhance operational efficiency and fuel savings, marking another step toward more modern and sustainable rail operations,” CN said. It will be deployed in phases over the next six months across several CN yards and branch lines, including locations in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Testing will also eventually include operations in cold weather conditions in Western Canada. “This phased approach will enable CN to evaluate efficiency and operating protocols for the locomotive,” CN noted. “This project is part of CN’s program to meet the deep decarbonization required to achieve net-zero emissions, with the other previously announced locomotive pilots. CN expects this initiative will help drive the advancement of hybrid technology in locomotives and contribute to immediate emissions reductions.”
“This CN-led pilot represents another milestone in our sustainability journey and focus on emerging technologies,” said Patrick Whitehead, CN Executive Vice President and Chief Network Operating Officer. “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.”
Established in 1998, KLW has repowered, upgraded, repaired and remanufactured approximately 1,000 locomotives ranging from DC/AC modernizations to low-horsepower switchers and high horsepower line-haul units. Currently, KLW manufactures low- and high-horsepower locomotives that are EPA Tier 4 Certified and CARB Verified.
