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Siemens to Roll Out Battery-Electric Passenger Locomotives in North America
The alternative propulsion technology is expected to power trains running at speeds up to 125 mph.
June 30, 2025
Fully compliant with Buy America requirements, the locomotives are manufactured in the USA for the North American market and offer flexible charging options, including catenary, plug-in, and dynamic braking.
Photo: Siemens Mobility
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Siemens Mobility is introducing the next generation of passenger locomotives via advanced rail solutions manufactured in the United States. The Charger B+AC is intended for the North American market.
With the debut of the Charger B+AC, Siemens Mobility is further expanding its portfolio of alternative propulsion technologies. The company currently offers a range of drive systems, including the battery-electric Mireo Plus B, the hydrogen-powered Mireo Plus H, and Vectron locomotives with battery modules for hybrid operation.
The Charger B+AC adds a new battery-electric solution tailored specifically to the North American passenger rail market, with the latest innovation building on Siemens Mobility’s approach of modular, scalable, and infrastructure-adaptable solutions. Siemens Mobility has sold over 400 locomotives in North America.
"Expanding our portfolio with the Charger B+AC emphasizes our dedication to providing the best propulsion solutions for every customer need,” said Andre Rodenbeck, CEO of Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility. “With a growing range of battery, hydrogen, and hybrid propulsion technologies, we’re empowering operators to make efficient, sustainable, and future-oriented investments — supported by reliable platforms and decades of rail expertise.”
Dual Power Flexibility Drives New Charger B+AC Locomotives
Once in service, the locomotives will draw electrical power primarily from overhead catenary wires and seamlessly transition into battery mode in and around stations where catenary power isn’t available.
According to a company statement, this application is ideal for operators who either already have or plan to have partial electrification across their network. Charger B+AC locomotives are designed to power trains up to 125 mph under catenary and on battery power for up to 100 miles, depending on train configuration and route characteristics.
Fully compliant with Buy America requirements, the locomotives are manufactured in the USA for the North American market and offer flexible charging options, including catenary, plug-in, and dynamic braking.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Metro-North Railroad in New York have selected Siemens Mobility to design and manufacture 13 battery-electric passenger locomotives for its latest railcar fleet expansion.
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