The Charger B+AC, the first battery-electric passenger locomotive created especially for the North American market, has been introduced by Siemens Mobility. The development of alternative propulsion technologies in the area has advanced significantly with the introduction of the new model.
With over 400 units already sold in North America, Siemens Mobility’s well-established Charger platform is expanded upon by the Charger B+AC, which is manufactured in the United States. In order to operate under overhead catenary wires and in battery mode when catenary infrastructure is not available, this next-generation model does away with the conventional diesel engine and replaces it with a modular battery system and pantograph.
Depending on route conditions and train design, the locomotive can travel up to 100 miles on battery power alone and reach speeds of up to 125 mph when powered by catenary. The B+AC was designed to be flexible and can be charged using dynamic brakes, plug-in connections, or overhead lines.
Siemens Mobility CEO of Rolling Stock Andre Rodenbeck stated, “Adding the Charger B+AC to our portfolio highlights our commitment to offering the best propulsion solutions for every customer need.” “Backed by dependable platforms and decades of rail expertise, we’re enabling operators to make efficient, sustainable, and forward-thinking investments with an expanding range of battery, hydrogen, and hybrid propulsion technologies.”
Siemens Mobility’s wider array of sustainable propulsion technologies, which include the battery-electric Mireo Plus B, the hydrogen-powered Mireo Plus H, and hybrid-capable Vectron locomotives, is enhanced by the launch of the Charger B+AC. The new locomotive offers a smooth transition between power modes without sacrificing performance, making it ideal for transportation agencies that have partially electrified their networks.
MTA ordered 13 Charger B+AC locomotives
As part of their most recent railcar fleet expansion, the New York Metro-North Railroad and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) have already ordered 13 battery-electric locomotives. This is a significant turning point for Siemens Mobility and shows that interest in battery-powered rail solutions is rising in the US.
The Charger B+AC offers environmental advantages as well as a recognisable operator interface and a components pool that is shared with other Siemens locomotives that are currently in service in North America. This guarantees more affordable scalability and simpler maintenance. Additionally, the modular battery system facilitates operational flexibility and future enhancements, such as modifying train length to accommodate fluctuating passenger demand while utilising current rolling equipment.
The new locomotive, according to Siemens Mobility, provides operators with a workable way to decarbonise passenger rail while preserving high service standards. The Charger B+AC supports the nation’s larger objectives for sustainable transportation and infrastructure investment while fully adhering to Buy America regulations.
With this most recent advancement, Siemens Mobility hopes to solidify its position as a pioneer in environmentally friendly rail technologies and contribute to the development of North America’s low-emission rail transportation industry.
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