Türkiye: KAAF has rolled out Turkey’s first domestically developed two-axle battery-powered shunting locomotive, the RE2500 model. Presented at the company’s Kayseri facility, it was built to order for Seza Cement’s plant in Elazığ.
Key specs include a hauling capacity of up to 2,500 tonnes. KAAF custom-designed the braking system, with the driver’s cab centrally positioned for optimal visibility. Remote operation capability is also featured.
KAAF Business Development and Sales Manager Ömer Faruk Özdemir noted that the project, from design to production, was executed entirely in-house. Collaborators included national rail producer Türasaş and TÜBİTAK RUTE technology institute.
Özdemir added that KAAF eyes exports of these battery shunt locomotives to North America, France, and other European markets. The manufacturer’s website lists three further models (40-124 kW power, 15-32.7 kN tractive effort). Future plans encompass hybrid mainline locomotives and battery trams.
