The first e-hybrid locomotive developed for RCH was completed in China 03/02/21

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Source: https://rch.railcargo.com/en/news/the-first-e-hybrid-locomotive-developed-for-rch-was-completed-in-china

 

 

The first e-hybrid locomotive developed for RCH was completed in China

The first locomotive developed for Rail Cargo Hungaria rolled off the production line. The vehicle, optimised for the logistics activities of the market leading Hungarian freight company was planned by the engineers of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co. Ltd., the world’s biggest rolling stock manufacturer company, and the production takes place in the factory in Hunan province.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Román Kotiers, Member of the Board of RCH joined the Roll-out ceremony of the unique mainline locomotive online and emphasized in his speech: “I am very proud that Rail Cargo Hungaria will be the first in the sector to use these environmentally friendly and extremely economical locomotives which, compared to the current modern solutions, can be utilized more effectively and flexibly.”

According to the contract signed in 2019, CRRC ZELC develops electro-hybrid shunters and high-power mainline locomotives with zero emission optimized for freight transport according to the provided parameters by Rail Cargo Hungaria. With the new locomotive RCH takes a significant step towards ensuring a sustainable future for rail freight in Europe. Currently, two vehicles from both types are developed, but if they meet the company's expectations, it will be possible to produce another 20-20 locomotives.

The nominal capacity of the four-axle locomotive presented in a ceremonial setting is 5600 kW, it has an operating weight of around 90 tonnes and a starting tractive effort of 300 kN. It is capable of hauling trains at a top speed of 120 km/h. The benefits of the technology are especially evident when the train forwards wagons on a section without an overhead line. In this case, the locomotives are powered by the batteries of the Last Mile Power Package, a solution that is also required for instance in the case of many connecting railways.

Thanks to the hybrid technology, the new locomotive will be able to perform services on routes without overhead lines, on connecting railways and on loading tracks. Until now, a separate diesel locomotive had to be allocated for this task. However, this will become redundant with the new technology and thus significant pollution associated with the combustion of diesel can be avoided.

In addition to Hungary, Rail Cargo Hungaria is planning to use these locomotives in Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Northern Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria.
The production of the shunting locomotive is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

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