“These new locomotives will offer increased reliability, more hauling power, improved safety features and lower emissions,” says Amtrak President and CEO Richard Anderson.
“Siemens Mobility is honored and grateful to Amtrak for this opportunity to assist Amtrak in their mission to provide safe, world-class, environmentally conscious technology for their long-distance services,” says Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Mobility’s North America rolling stock business.
Capable of speeds up to 125 mph, the locomotives will have 4,400 hp-capable, 16-cylinder diesel engines with modern control systems and A.C. propulsion. The diesel engine will come equipped with the latest Tier 4 emissions technology, reducing nitrogen oxide by more than 89 percent and particulate matter by 95 percent, and provide an average of 10 percent savings in diesel fuel consumption.
Delivery of the new locomotives will begin in summer 2021, with passenger service beginning in fall 2021. They will power trains used on the Auto Train, California Zephyr, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Empire Builder, Lake Shore Limited, Palmetto, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, and Texas Eagle. All locomotives are expected to be in service by 2024. Maintenance activities across the network will be supported by a supplemental multiyear Technical Support Spares Supply Agreement.
Amtrak is paying for the new locomotives through available funds and will comply with Buy American provisions. They will be built at Siemens Mobility’s rail manufacturing plant in Sacramento, Calif., a facility which uses solar power and employs more than 1,300 people.
Charger locomotives are currently operating in several state-supported Amtrak routes in California, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Michigan, Iowa, and Washington.
The new locomotives will primarily replace the aging GE-built P40 and P42 locomotives, some of which have been in service for more than 25 years.
