Siemens Rail Systems and Cummins are partnering on a new passenger locomotive the companies say will be one of the most energy-efficient and lightweight diesel electric locomotives available today in North America.
The new American-made diesel electric locomotives will incorporate Cummins new QSK95 diesel engines. The result, the companies say will be a more reliable and more energy-efficient ride.
The new locomotives will also deploy a new engine after-treatment system aimed at delivering a cleaner ride with better air quality and reduced emission rates. The locomotive was developed with passenger and crew safety top-of-mind, the companies said.
This “announcement acknowledges a new type of diesel-electric offering, one that is built with the passenger in mind,” Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Rail Systems in the U.S., said in a news release. “Our goal is to provide high ride-quality with smooth, safe and efficient performance – for both the locomotive engineers and the passengers – with cost savings for the operators and maintainers.”
The new locomotive diesel-electric locomotive’s design is based on Siemens’ global rail expertise, but incorporates input from U.S. passenger rail operators. It is designed to operate at speeds up to 125 mph.
“Our engines are the perfect answer for today’s diesel electric needs: they’re more efficient, lighter and cleaner than engines of this output in the past,” Ed Pence, vice president and general manager – Cummins High-Horsepower Engine Business, said in a news release. “We believe that our high-speed QSK95 engines will not just bring cleaner operation, but will achieve higher performance and lower operating costs than any system utilizing traditional medium speed powered locomotives.”
