The world’s first battery-electric freight train locomotive the FLXdrive was unveiled and developed by American rail-technology leader Wabtec Corporation in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University and freight operator Roy Hill. The groundbreaking train pioneered the use of battery-electric power for heavy-haul freight service, marking a transformative shift toward zero-emission rail freight solutions.

The FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive is capable of hauling heavy freight while operating on electricity stored in thousands of lithium-ion cells eliminating the reliance on traditional diesel engines that have powered freight trains for more than a century. This innovation makes it a world record-setting battery electric freight locomotive, representing a major step in the decarbonization of one of the most polluting segments of land transport.

Since its unveiling in Pittsburgh, the battery-powered freight train has undergone successful trials, including long-distance testing in California. These tests demonstrated significant reductions in fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions delivering measurable environmental benefits for rail freight operations.

The arrival of this technology has sparked global interest, with several countries and rail companies accelerating research and deployment of battery-electric and hybrid locomotives. Meanwhile, newer battery electric heavy haul prototypes are being introduced in regions like Australia for iron ore railways, further pushing the boundaries of green rail innovation.

Industry experts say the development of battery-electric freight trains can help rail sectors worldwide cut emissions, lower operating costs, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels a key goal for climate action in the transport industry.