Progress Rail to Supply BNSF with Zero Exhaust Emission Locomotives

Written by Carolina Worrell, Senior Editor
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Progress Rail (a Caterpillar Company) announced on Sept. 23 that it is supplying up to four EMD® Joule battery electric locomotives to BNSF Railway (BNSF). Supported in part by grant funding, the locomotives, to be delivered in 2024, would replace BNSF diesel units operating in Southern California, with charging systems for continuous operation.

“Combining its broad locomotive expertise with Caterpillar, Progress Rail will deliver the first battery electric locomotive with eight MWh of storage capacity, making the SD70J units the largest battery electric locomotives in North America,” the company says.

Progress Rail President and CEO Marty Haycraft

“Progress Rail is excited to provide this groundbreaking zero exhaust emission technology to BNSF,” said Progress Rail President and CEO Marty Haycraft. “We are committed to helping our customers meet their emissions reduction goals.”

BNSF Vice President of Environment and Sustainability John Lovenburg

“The Joule locomotive is an exciting advancement in battery-electric locomotive technology with more energy storage and faster charging,” commented BNSF Vice President of Environment and Sustainability John Lovenburg. “The project is well aligned with BNSF’s commitment to innovation and leadership in sustainable freight. We are focused on continuing to reduce the environmental impact in the communities where we operate and proud to do our part to assess the commercial and operational viability of emerging technologies that reduce emissions.”

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