China releases non-diesel, fully electric shunting locomotive

In order to solve the problems of high pollution and high fuel consumption of the traditional diesel locomotive, China released its first high power electric shunting locomotive on Thursday.

"With 1,500 kilowatts of maximum traction power, it's the most powerful electric shunting locomotive in China," said Kang Mingming, deputy director of the R&D center, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co Ltd.

Kang added that this locomotive uses a large-capacity lithium iron phosphate battery as its sole power source. It is also equipped with a 1,200 kW ultra-high-power liquid-cooled fast charging device. On a full charge, it can tow 1,200 tons of cargo for 128 kilometers effectively, meeting the transportation demands of steel enterprises and shunting operations.

Compared to traditional diesel locomotives, it boasts green and low-carbon technology, reducing carbon dioxide emissions per locomotive per year by approximately 150 tons, which is equivalent to planting 8,200 trees, according to the company.

Under identical operating conditions, this locomotive can reduce energy costs by 1 million yuan ($138,000) per year, and its overall life cycle cost is 20 percent less, it said.