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ARTICLE · 13 NOVEMBER 2023

100% Battery-powered Trains?

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In recent years, hydrogen trains have been stealing the headlines in the pursuit of a greener train network.

United KingdomEnergy and Natural Resources
Robert Carpmael
Robert Carpmael
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In recent years, hydrogen trains have been stealing the headlines in the pursuit of a greener train network. However, much akin to their automotive cousins, battery powered locomotives have also been in development.

On 31st October, Wabtec and Roy Hill unveiled the FLXdrive battery locomotive in Erie, US. This 100% battery powered locomotive features an energy capacity of 7 MWh, and is designed to supplement the diesel-electric locomotives already used for pulling iron ore through the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Its use is expected to provide a double-digit percentage reduction in fuel costs and emissions per train.

These trains are some of the longest in the world, and can be typically 2,700m (1.6 miles) long, each carrying 33,000 tonnes of iron ore. The energy usage per train is thus naturally substantial, so these energy savings will be truly beneficial.

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