NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Union Pacific and rail technology firm ZTR have concluded the first portion of the pilot program for their battery-diesel hybrid switching locomotives, the company said Friday, with the pilot remaining on track for completion in 2026.
The mother-slug set has completed initial testing and proof of concept at the Jenks Locomotive Shop in North Little Rock. Up next is testing in yard service.
The first of the switching sets, with converted SD40-2 No. UPY 409 and diesel UPY No. 309, was released in April 2024 [see “Union Pacific unveils …,” Trains News Wire, April 29, 2024]. Six of the sets, using energy control systems from ZTR, are planned under a program announced in 2022 [see “Union Pacific to partner …,” News Wire, Oct. 6, 2022]. They involve conversion of older, high-emission locomotive at the railroad’s shops in North Little Rock; the next set is expected to begin testing next year. The battery unit can either use plug-in power or be charged by the mother locomotive while in use.
UP says that the hybrids could reduce fuel use by up to 80%, depending on the mode of operation, reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
UP also released a short video updating the project.
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