Wabtec FLXDrive

Wabtec FLXDrive
Type and origin
Power typeBattery-electric
BuilderWabtec/GE Transportation
Build dateDecember 2019 - Present
Total produced1 (18 on order)
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARA1A-A1A
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
TrucksGE Hi-Ad
Performance figures
Maximum speed75 mph (121 km/h)
Power output4,400 hp (3,281.08 kW)
Career
Operators
Locale
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Australia

The Wabtec FLXDrive platform (pronounced "flex-drive") is a class of battery-electric locomotives manufactured by Wabtec's GE Transportation subsidiary beginning in 2019. Using a modified version of the GE Evolution Series platform, FLXdrive is Wabtec's first zero-emissions locomotive, storing energy in 20 racks of lithium-ion battery cells.[1] FLXDrive is a hybrid-electric locomotive, meaning it works in conjunction with traditional diesel-electric locomotives to provide regenerative braking for a train. The first-generation locomotives (with a capacity of 2.4 MWh) are able to operate 30 to 40 minutes at full power when being not connected to another locomotive.[2]

The first prototype locomotive, number 3000, was successfully tested on BNSF Railway in 2021 and found to reduce fuel consumption when paired with conventional diesel-electric locomotives.[2] Since 2020, FLXDrive locomotives have been ordered by Union Pacific, Canadian National, Rio Tinto, BHP, and Roy Hill. The first locomotives are scheduled to enter service in 2023.[3]

In 2022, Wabtec announced a line of battery-electric locomotives including six-axle, four-axle, and foreign market variants.[4] Wabtec plans to market the FLXDrive in tandem with hydrogen-powered locomotives, allowing the two types to complement each other.[5]

On October 31, 2023, Wabtec unveiled the first production FLXDrive locomotive planned for delivery to the Australian Roy Hill ore railway in 2024.[6] That unit, however, was never delivered and is now part of the test fleet. [7]

Customers

Owner Qty. No. Notes
GE Transportation 1 3000
BHP 2 TBD
Canadian National 1 TBD
Rio Tinto 4 TBD
Roy Hill 1 2001 Never delivered, now GECX 2025
Union Pacific 10 TBD
Total 18

References

  1. ^ "FLXdrive". Wabtec Corporation. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  2. ^ a b Vantuono, William C. (September 14, 2021). "FLXdrive 'Electrifies' Pittsburgh". Railway Age. Retrieved 2022-12-08.
  3. ^ Casey, Tina (2022-01-17). "Wabtec's Electric Locomotive Trickle Suddenly Becomes A Flood". CleanTechnica. Retrieved 2022-12-08.
  4. ^ "Battery Electric Locomotive Technology FLXdrive". Wabtec Corporation (PDF). September 9, 2022. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  5. ^ Fender, Keith (September 23, 2022). "Wabtec planning for transition from diesel". Trains. Retrieved 2022-12-08.
  6. ^ "Wabtec and Roy Hill Unveil the First FLXdrive Battery Locomotive". Wabtec Corporation. October 31, 2023. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
  7. ^ "Roy Hill's FLX Drive Battery Locomotive is no more, it is now Wabtec 2025!". YouTube. 9 May 2025.


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