Siemens Mobility pioneers battery-electric passenger locomotives in North America

Siemens Mobility is introducing the next generation of passenger locomotive: The Charger B+AC. An advanced rail solution manufactured in the United States for the North American market, the Siemens Charger B+AC is North America’s first battery-electric powered passenger locomotive.

With the debut of the Charger B+AC, Siemens Mobility is further expanding its portfolio of alternative propulsion technologies. The company already offers a broad 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, providing customers with additional flexibility and operational efficiency. This latest innovation builds on Siemens Mobility’s proven approach of modular, scalable, and infrastructure-adaptable solutions – enabling transit agencies to enhance service while meeting the growing demands for cleaner and smarter mobility.

Siemens Mobility's Charger platform is proven across North America, with over 400 locomotives sold. The new Charger B+AC locomotives represent an even more cutting-edge iteration of the Charger design. By removing the diesel engine and integrating a modular battery system and pantograph, this locomotive will provide a cutting-edge solution to transform mobility for commuters across the country.

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. This application is ideal for operators who either already have, or plan to have, partial electrification across their network. The use of battery-electric power will not require operators to sacrifice distance or speed capabilities. Charger B+AC locomotives are designed to power trains at speeds 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. This order represents the next generation of Charger locomotive from Siemens Mobility, and an exciting milestone in the rail industry.

www.siemens.com