Metro-North Railroad to Operate Battery-, Electric-Powered Locomotives
The locomotives will generally draw electrical power from the overhead wires known as catenary, and switch to battery mode for tracks in and around Penn Station where electrical traction power has different characteristics.
If approved by the MTA Board — as reportedly anticipated — 13 battery- and electric-powered locomotives will be purchased by exercising an option on an existing contract with Siemens Mobility North America.
Photo: Patrick Cashin
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced details of a major expansion of Metro-North Railroad’s railcar fleet, unveiling plans to add new trains that will provide New Haven Line service to Penn Station and four additional stations in the Bronx.
“New York's transportation system sets the standard for clean and reliable transit in North America, and we are further expanding and modernizing our transit system to better connect every community across the state,” Gov. Hochul said. “I am committed to advancing environmentally-friendly and clean modes of transportation — that's how we fight the climate crisis while delivering faster and more efficient service to riders."
Electrifying Fleet
The passenger trains will be powered by battery- and electric-powered locomotives offering clean, green zero-emission service.
The locomotives will generally draw electrical power from the overhead wires known as catenary, and switch to battery mode for tracks in and around Penn Station where electrical traction power has different characteristics.
The Siemens Mobility Charger locomotives were based on the leading locomotive platform in Europe, the Vectron, and the Siemens battery and electric Charger locomotive is the next generation locomotive for North America.
“Transit is the antidote to climate change, and these locomotives — the first ever in North America — demonstrate, again, the MTA’s commitment to using innovation to green the region,” said MTA Chair/CEO Janno Lieber.
Next Steps
If approved by the MTA Board — as reportedly anticipated — 13 battery- and electric-powered locomotives will be purchased by exercising an option on an existing contract with Siemens Mobility North America, which is already building 33 dual-mode locomotives for Metro-North that operate under diesel or third rail power.
The new locomotives are expected to be similar in appearance to those 4,200-horsepower diesel/electric locomotives, known by the model number SC42-DM, which Metro-North unveiled in November 2024.
The locomotives will pull or push coach cars, depending on the direction of travel, a configuration similar to Metro-North’s diesel trains.
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