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Press Release27 June 2025Siemens AGMunich
Siemens Mobility to Pioneer 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.
“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 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.”
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.
With a future-proof modular battery
system, familiar operator interface, a large common spare parts pool across
North America and the flexibility to adapt train length to match ridership
needs using existing coaches, customers can rely on the Siemens Mobility
Charger B+AC to go the distance.
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Siemens Mobility
is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a
leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens
Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling
stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio,
turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and
solutions, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make
infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle,
enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2024,
which ended on September 30, 2024, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €11.4
billion and employed around 41,900 people worldwide. Further information is
available at:
www.siemens.com/mobility