Rahul Somvanshi
In a significant development for public transportation, Metro-North Railroad is set to operate the first battery and electric-powered passenger trains in North America. The new locomotives will provide service on the New Haven Line to Penn Station, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel engines.
The MTA Board is expected to approve the purchase of 13 battery and electric-powered locomotives this Wednesday. These locomotives, which will cost between $20.3 and $23.4 million, are scheduled for delivery between January 2029 and July 2030.
How These Trains Will Work
The new locomotives will draw electrical power from overhead wires, known as catenary, while traveling on electrified tracks. When operating on tracks without electrical infrastructure, such as those in and around Penn Station, the locomotives will switch to battery mode. This dual-power system ensures zero emissions throughout the journey.
“These new locomotives, powered exclusively by electricity but capable of operating on non-electrified lines via battery, will take a technology that is common in Europe and use it to revolutionize railroading in North America,” said MTA Chief of Rolling Stock Program Tim Mulligan.
The locomotives will be manufactured by Siemens Mobility North America through an option on an existing contract. Siemens is already building 33 dual-mode locomotives for Metro-North that operate under diesel or third rail power.
According to officials, the new locomotives will be similar in appearance to the 4,200-horsepower diesel/electric locomotives that Metro-North unveiled in November 2024. They will pull or push coach cars depending on the direction of travel, similar to Metro-North’s current diesel trains.
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Connecting Communities
The MTA began construction to provide direct access to Penn Station in December 2022, with work still ongoing. This project, known as Penn Station Access, aims to improve connectivity between communities in the Bronx and employment centers in Manhattan, Westchester County, and Connecticut.
“In a few years, Metro-North’s Penn Access service will revolutionize how New Haven Line customers travel around the region, creating a link between communities in the Bronx and employment opportunities in West Midtown and along the New Haven Line in Westchester County and Connecticut,” said Catherine Rinaldi, President of MTA Metro-North Railroad.
Environmental Impact
The introduction of these battery and electric-powered locomotives aligns with broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. By eliminating diesel exhaust, these trains will contribute to cleaner air in the communities they serve.
“New York’s transportation system sets the standard for clean and reliable transit in North America, and we are further expanding and modernizing our transit system to better connect every community across the state,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “I am committed to advancing environmentally-friendly and clean modes of transportation — that’s how we fight the climate crisis while delivering faster and more efficient service to riders.”
The new locomotives are based on the Vectron, a leading locomotive platform in Europe. The adaptation of this technology for North American use marks an important step in the transfer of sustainable transportation solutions across continents.
“On behalf of the more than 4,500 Siemens Mobility team members in the U.S., we are thrilled to bring battery/electric locomotives to the New York Metropolitan region,” said Marc Buncher, President and CEO of Siemens Mobility North America. “These American-Made locomotives will help to reinvent rail travel, offering more reliable and sustainable travel for millions of commuters each year.”
Looking Ahead
While the delivery of these locomotives is still several years away, the approval by the MTA Board this Wednesday will set in motion a significant advancement in public transportation. The project represents a commitment to modernizing infrastructure while prioritizing environmental considerations.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber emphasized this commitment, stating, “Transit is the antidote to climate change, and these locomotives — the first ever in North America — demonstrate, again, the MTA’s commitment to using innovation to green the region.”
As construction continues on the Penn Station Access project, commuters can look forward to both improved connectivity and a more sustainable transit option in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new battery and electric-powered trains begin operating?
The locomotives are expected to be delivered between January 2029 and July 2030, after which they will begin service on the New Haven Line to Penn Station.
How do battery and electric-powered locomotives work?
These locomotives draw power from overhead electrical wires (catenary) on electrified tracks. When traveling on non-electrified sections, they switch to battery power, ensuring zero emissions throughout the journey.
How much will these new locomotives cost?
The 13 locomotives are estimated to cost between $20.3 and $23.4 million. They will be purchased through an existing contract option with Siemens Mobility North America.
Will these trains be faster than current options?
While specific speed details weren’t provided in the source material, the new service will connect communities in the Bronx to Midtown Manhattan with faster rail service, according to the announcement.
How will these new trains benefit commuters?
The trains will provide direct service from the New Haven Line to Penn Station, creating new connections between communities in the Bronx and employment opportunities in Manhattan, Westchester County, and Connecticut. The service will also be environmentally friendly, producing zero emissions.
Are battery and electric-powered trains common elsewhere in the world?
This technology is common in Europe, specifically with the Vectron locomotive platform. However, these will be the first battery and electric-powered locomotives operating passenger trains in North America.
