Russia: The presentation of the locomotive was held at the PRO//Motion.Expo Railway Fair. The first locomotive was produced at the Novocherkassk Electric Locomotive Plant (a part of TMH) at the beginning of this year. It was developed on the same modular platform as the TEM23 diesel shunter. Within 6 years after acceptance of the first locomotive, it is planned to deliver 131 such locomotives to Russian Railways.
TMH notes that over 90% of EMKA2 components are produced in Russia. Prototypes of Li-Ion batteries for the locomotive were developed by TechnoSpark Group and can operate at -40°C. Consumed battery capacity is not less than 200 kWh. It allows EMKA2 to autonomously haul a 2,000-t train with an operational range of up to 14 km. For trains consisting of 20 double-deck passenger coaches an operational range of EMKA2 is to be up to 20 km and up to 100 km without a train at a speed of 65 km/h. Also, EMKA2 can operate from a 3kV DC catenary, which can also charge an on-board battery. The possibility to charge the battery externally is also provided. The manufacturer says that the locomotive doesn’t need any special charging infrastructure for operation.
The hourly power of four-axle EMKA2 with traction from catenary is 500 kW, when powered by battery – 300 kW. Design speed is 90 km/h. The operational speed when operating from catenary is 11.1 km/h, from battery – 6.7 km/h. The service life of the vehicle is 40 years. The condition of the battery and other locomotive performance indicators can be monitored remotely. Also, the electric locomotive as well as TEM23 has the possibility of integration the Automatic Train Operation and on-board diagnostic systems.
EMKA2 battery locomotive at the PRO//Motion.Expo Railway Fair. Source: Alexey Stolchnev/ROLLINGSTOCK
According to TMH’s estimates, the use of EMKA2 instead of diesel locomotives will eliminate emissions, significantly reduce noise level, save up to 70-80% on fuel costs and reduce current operating costs by 40-60%.
EMKA2 is planned to replace shunting diesel locomotives at passenger train stations and large depots in Russia. In December last year, the former Deputy CEO of Russian Railways Oleg Valinsky noted that the completion of launching EMKA2 into production and its certification is scheduled for 2023.
