CRRC delivered the new locomotive following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Energy Absolute in 2021. The MoU document provides for the implementation of a pilot project for the commissioning of locomotives with battery traction in Thailand.
Energy Absolute teamed up with train maintenance service provider Asia Engineering and Services to install the battery system on the electric locomotive. It will now be tested at Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok in partnership with King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan.
According to a report by The Nation Thailand, the locomotive can travel up to 150-200 km and save up to 40% in energy costs when compared to a diesel-powered unit.
The Nation also reported that Energy Absolute is developing an ultra-fast charge system for the new train, which can provide a full charge within an hour. It will also develop a battery-swapping station that can change batteries in no more than 10 minutes.
"EA is ready to design and develop ultra-fast charge system to meet the government's strategy to promote Thailand as logistics hub in Asia," EA deputy chief executive officer Amorn Sapthaweekul said in a statement to the media.