Cando Rail & Terminals has unveiled its project to develop a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery-powered switching locomotive. This endeavor has the potential to reshape rail switching operations, ushering in an era of sustainability and efficiency. By retrofitting a legacy locomotive with a Li-Ion battery propulsion system, Cando aims to offer a scalable solution tailored for In Yard Operations (IYO) and closed-loop switching tasks. The result? A zero-emission locomotive that matches the capabilities of its diesel-powered counterparts while significantly reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
As part of the Challenge to Reduce Emissions, the Government of Alberta is investing $2 million in Cando's Li-Ion 2025 Project. The total cost of the project is estimated at $4 million.
“This industry-transforming initiative could drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping rail service providers and industrial companies moving product by rail meet sustainability goals faster,” said Steve Bromley, Chief Commercial Officer at Cando Rail & Terminals.
Upon the successful retrofit, Cando will begin real-world testing and evaluation of the battery-powered locomotive and associated charging infrastructure in the Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta area. This critical phase will provide invaluable insights that will shape the future development of battery-powered locomotives.
