China: The CHA3C1 locomotive has been commissioned by Meishan Iron & Steel and is already put into operation at a steel plant in Nanjing.
The CHA3C1 is fitted with a 380 kW MTU diesel engine and a 315 kWh lithium-titanate battery. The starting tractive effort is 320 kN, and the continuous tractive effort is 260 kN. The four-axle locomotive with an axle load of 23 t can operate in diesel, battery, or hybrid mode. The vehicle has a modular configuration and is equipped with cameras for better visibility in addition to the standard equipment.
The hybrid CHA3C1 by CRRC for Meishan Iron & Steel. Source: CRRC
CRRC’s first hybrid shunting locomotives were launched commercially in 2022. The company is developing hydrogen traction, with one locomotive supplied to Chile in 2023. CRRC’s subsidiary Vossloh Rolling Stock unveiled the hybrid shunter Modula with three traction combinations for the European market in 2022. The German Railpool has ordered 45 such vehicles in 2023.
