Norfolk Southern Railway is putting a zero-emissions battery-powered prototype locomotive to work in its Pennsylvania rail yard. Hybrid long-haul trains are in the company's future as well.
The NS999 is a 1,500 horsepower locomotive. Norfolk Southern will use it to move cars around the rail yard. 1,080 rechargeable 12-volt lead acid batteries store about a day's worth of power. The batteries add to their plug-in charging by charging with the energy from breaking.
Implications - By the end of this year, the VP of operations planning and support on the project claims the railway company will have built an over-the-road version of the locomotive with more batteries. Running first with a couple of diesels which wil help recharge the eco-train's batteries, Gerhard Thelan anticipates that eventually the battery engines will power a train by themselves.
One-of-a-Kind Green Rails
Norfolk Southern Railway Develops Plug-in Electric Locomotive
Trend Themes
1. Zero-emissions Railways - The development of zero-emissions locomotives like the NS999 presents an opportunity for railway companies to cut down on their carbon footprint and reduce their environmental impact.
2. Battery-powered Vehicles - The success of the NS999 could pave the way for other industries to explore battery-powered vehicles and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
3. Plug-in Charging Technology - The use of plug-in charging technology in the NS999 suggests the possibility of integrating this technology in other areas of transportation, potentially making charging electric vehicles more convenient and accessible.
Industry Implications
1. Railway - The NS999 demonstrates the potential for railway companies to innovate and reduce their environmental impact, presenting opportunities for growth in the industry.
2. Battery - As the NS999 uses rechargeable batteries, there is potential for growth in the battery industry, particularly for companies that specialize in developing batteries for sustainable energy uses.
3. Electric Vehicle - The success of the NS999 highlights the potential for electric vehicles to be used in other transportation industries, such as shipping or aviation.