Union Pacific to complete hybrid locomotive pilot in 2026
Union Pacific Railroad has completed preliminary testing of the first of six hybrid locomotives at the Jenks Locomotive Shop in North Little Rock, Arkansas.Photo – Union Pacific Railroad
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Union Pacific Railroad and collaborating partner ZTR will shortly begin testing the first of their six hybrid switch locomotives in a working rail yard, having recently completed early testing and proof of concept at UP's Jenks Locomotive Shop in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
The hybrid locomotives can operate on a traditional diesel engine or stored battery power, with the battery recharging during engine operation. Introduced in 2024, they are the first hybrid battery-electric locomotives within the North American freight rail industry, UP officials said in an article on the railroad's "Inside Track" report.
The next of the remaining five UP-built hybrid locomotives is slated for testing next year.
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