Wabtec and Carnegie Mellon University developed the FLXdrive, which could reduce carbon emissions in the US. This could lead to battery-powered electric locomotives replacing freight trains running on fuel. (Image Credit: Wabtec)
On September 10th, freight train manufacturer Wabtec showcased the first battery-electric train called the FLXdrive, which aims to reduce carbon emissions. The reveal took place at Carnegie Mellon University as part of a collaborative effort between the two organizations to develop zero-emissions technology that focuses on transporting 1.7 billion tons of goods on American railroads every year. The company also stated its machine is significantly more powerful than a Tesla electric car.
When combined with conventional diesel engines, the electric train reduces fuel consumption by over 11% while leading to an 11% decrease in carbon emissions. That amount is equivalent to removing over 6,200 diesel fuel gallons and eliminating nearly 70 tons of carbon emissions.
Earlier this year, the FLXdrive train underwent a successful trial run in California, traveling 13,000 miles between Barstow and Stockton for three months. The 430,000-lb train is powered by 18,000 lithium-ion battery cells, providing it with the ability to generate 4,400 horsepower. It also features a power capacity of 2.4MWh and regenerative braking, which recharges the batteries.
Additionally, the train utilizes an AI-enabled cruise control called the Trip Optimizer system, which allows it to maintain the energy flow and distribution. It also responds to every twist and grade on the track in the most energy-efficient manner possible. Wabtec is now developing a 7MWh battery-powered electric train, which could see a 30% decreases in fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Wabtec says that emissions can be eliminated with accompanying fuel cell developments. According to the company, using this technology worldwide could lead to eliminating 300 million tons of planet-heating emissions every year.
Roy Hill, an Australian mining company, bought the first commercially available FLXdrive trains. In 2023, the company said it expects to receive the 7MWh FLXdrive machine. “Our analysis with Wabtec confirms the FLXdrive locomotive is ideally suited for our rail network,” Simon Pascoe, Roy Hill general manager of engineering, said.“It has the horsepower to operate in a heavy haul train consist pulling loaded wagons with 35,000 tonnes of iron ore, while at the same time reducing the entire train’s fuel consumption.”
Relying on rail instead of the road to deliver goods could reduce carbon emissions by 75% even though rail only produces 2% of the total transportation carbon emissions in the US. Every little bit helps.
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