Caterpillar Inc. has announced Union Pacific Railroad will purchase 10 battery-electric locomotives from Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company. The purchase is part of the largest investment in battery-electric technology by a U.S. Class I railroad.
“We are pleased to supply our EMD Joule locomotives to Union Pacific representing our largest battery-electric locomotive order to-date,” said Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby. “At Caterpillar, we’re continuing to invest in new products, technologies and services to support our customers during the energy transition, helping them achieve their climate-related goals as they build a better, more sustainable world.”
The locomotives, which do not use fuel and emit zero exhaust emissions, will be tested in rail yards in California and Nebraska, helping identify the locomotives’ capabilities and challenges for broader deployment.
Union Pacific Chairman, President and CEO, Lance Fritz said, “We’re committed to actions that reduce Union Pacific’s environmental footprint as we work toward our ultimate goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.” He added, “These investments will contribute to further developing this important technology and providing industry-wide benefits.”
The locomotives will be manufactured in Muncie, Ind., and the first units will arrive onsite in late 2023, with complete delivery anticipated in early 2024.