The new locomotives, which were made in the US, are cleaner, faster and more fuel efficient than their predecessor, began servie on Tuesday (February 8) pulling the Amtrak Empire Builder train westbound from Chicago to Seattle.
Locomotives 301 and 302 are among the first of 75 locomotives being delivered by the end of 2024.
The ALC-42 locomotives reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide by more than 89% and particulate matter by 95%, while consuming less fuel than the locomotives being retired and reaching a greater top speed (125 mph).
Amtrak vice president and chief mechanical officer, George Hull, said, “While railroading is a small portion of the emissions picture nationally, we want to take these steps to be the cleanest passenger railroad operating diesel trains in North America, commuter or interstate. We’re dedicated to continuously seeking new and innovative technologies that provide solutions to meet transportation needs while reducing health and climate impacts.”
A team from Amtrak and Siemens Mobility developed the locomotive series for heavier and longer trains traveling thousands of miles in a single trip, spanning the US from Seattle to Miami, Los Angeles to Boston.
“From the first ACS-64 in 2014 to the latest Charger Locomotive, Amtrak is a leader in sustainable travel for Americans. And Siemens Mobility is a proud partner in its efforts. We are looking forward to seeing these Chargers safely transport millions of Americans across the nation, whether it be seeking new adventures or connecting to economic opportunity,” said Michael Cahill, president of rolling stock, Siemens Mobility North America.
The locomotives were built at the Siemens Mobility’s rail manufacturing hub in Sacramento, California. Powered by the sun with two megawatts of solar energy and 2,200 employees, the facility has been in operation for 30 years. It is part of Siemens Mobility’s larger US manufacturing network, with eight facilities, more than 4,000 employees and 2,000 American suppliers.
The new locomotives will primarily replace the Amtrak P40 and P42 locomotives, some of which have been in service for more than 25 years on some state-sponsored routes but primarily on the Long Distance portion of the Amtrak National Network.