FLXdrive
Bringing together application expertise and performance optimization, Wabtec is developing a hybrid consist to save fuel and reduce emissions
FLXdrive is Wabtec’s newest development a battery electric freight locomotive. Leveraging decades of application expertise, coupled with industry leading performance optimization, the hybrid consist that is being demonstrated has the capability of saving fuel and reducing emissions.
Wabtec’s FLXdrive battery electric locomotive pilot is part of a grant project with the Calfornia Air Resource Board (CARB), BNSF and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Wabtec and BNSF will begin proof-of-concept and performance testing in late 2020. BEL is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment— particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Specifications
FLXdrive battery electric locomotive at a glance
| Energy Source | Lithium-ion Batteries |
| Size of Battery Unit | 20 racks, which consist of approximately 20,000 battery cells * HVAC system to keep batteries at room temperature in all environment * Energy-management system to monitor battery health |
| Energy Capacity | 2.4 Megawatt hours |
| Duration of Full 4400 HP output | 30-40 minutes * Recharges during dynamic braking |
| Emissions | Reduces the train’s emissions by at least 10 percent. |
| Charging | There are two ways the locomotive is charged: • Wayside charging station, Stockton, CA • Dynamic braking during operation |
| Weight Maximum | Approximately 430,000 lbs |
| Maximum Speed | Approximately 75 MPH |
| Number of Axles | 6 * Battery to supply energy to all four powered axles |
| Grant Partners | BNSF and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and the California Air Resources Board |
| Test Date | Completed in April 2021 |
| Test Route | Barstow-to-Stockton Route |
| Route Length | 350 miles |
