Union Pacific Railroad invests in Wabtec’s FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive

Union Pacific Railroad announced Friday that it will purchase 10 FLXdrive battery-electric locomotives from Pittsburgh-based Wabtec Corporation.

The order is the largest investment in battery technology by a North American railroad. It will upgrade Union Pacific’s rail yard infrastructure and support its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“As an industry leader, Union Pacific is pioneering a major application of battery power in its rail yards,” Wabtec President and CEO Rafael Santana said. “Battery power is an ideal solution to reduce the environmental impact and costs of yard operations. Using the FLXdrive in the rail yard can significantly improve local air quality, as well as reduce noise by up to 70% for neighboring communities.”

Each of the approximately 2.5MWh locomotives is powered solely by 7,000 battery cells, providing a zero-emission solution for its yard operations. The 10 FLXdrives will eliminate 4,000 tons of carbon annually from the railroad’s rail yards, a solution equivalent to removing 800 cars from the highway, Wabtec said.

The new locomotives will be manufactured in the United States and delivered to Union Pacific in late 2023.

“Railroads are already the leader in low emissions ground transportation, and we believe battery-electric locomotives are the next step in our journey to eventually reach net zero,” Union Pacific Chairman, President and CEO Lance Fritz said. “This first phase of testing will further enhance the technology and, ultimately, benefit the entire industry.”