Locomotive Emission Verifications and Technology Demonstrations
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Voluntary Approval Process for Zero-Emission Switcher Locomotives
Switcher locomotives (switchers) play a critical role in the movement of freight throughout California. Most switchers in operation today are diesel-electric and emit oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter, and other harmful emissions, particularly in communities adjacent to major rail yards. To meet California’s air quality, climate, and community health goals, switcher operations must transition to zero-emission technology.
Staff has developed a voluntary approval process to evaluate basic performance, reliability, durability, warranty, and other criteria for commercial-ready zero-emission switchers to support this critical technology and to facilitate eligibility determinations for incentive funding programs. CARB invites inquiries and encourages interested parties to contact us for further discussion at zeswitcherapprovals@arb.ca.gov.
Guidance Document for Approval of Zero-Emission Switcher Locomotives
Zero-Emission Switcher Locomotive Application for Voluntary Approval Process
On April 21, 2022, a public work group meeting was held to discuss the development of the zero‑emission switcher locomotive approval criteria. Details and materials from the meeting are below.
Date & Time | Description | Details |
April 21, 2022 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (PDT) | Zero Emission Switcher Locomotive Approval Criteria Work Group Meeting | ZE Switcher Approval Criteria Workgroup Notice |
Locomotive Emission Verifications
CARB issues locomotive emission verifications to determine eligibility for CARB incentive funding programs such as Proposition 1B, Carl Moyer, and AB 118 - Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP). CARB staff follows the guidelines of the CARB Verification Procedure to verify particulate matter (PM) and gaseous emission levels of line haul, switcher, and passenger locomotives. Current CARB-verified locomotive technologies include:
- Progress Rail (SD70Ace-T4) Tier 4 Line Haul Locomotive
- Wabtec (ET23) Tier 4 Switch Locomotive
- Siemens Charger Tier 4 Passenger Locomotive
- Caterpillar/Progress Rail (EMD F125) Tier 4 Passenger Locomotive
- Caterpillar/Progress Rail (EMD24) Tier 4 Switch Locomotive
- KLW Tier 4 Locomotives
- Series 2000 Switcher: CARB Verification Letter
- Series 4000 Locomotives: CARB Verification Letter
- GE Tier 4 Evolution Series Locomotive
- CARB Verification Letter
- Caterpillar/Progress Rail (PR30) Tier 4 Medium Horsepower Locomotive
- CARB Verification Letter
- NRE Tier 4 Genset Switch Locomotive
Advanced Locomotive Technology Demonstrations
Pacific Harbor Line Battery-Electric Locomotive Project
Pacific Harbor Line (PHL) showcased its new battery-electric locomotive during a graduation event for locomotive engineers. The Progress Rail/EMD SD40JR Joule locomotive, which arrived in May 2023, will undergo a year-long evaluation serving the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Charged via an EMD Joule Charging Station, the 364,000 pound locomotive features low noise and vibration, regenerative braking, and AC traction providing 2.4 MW of power. This Joule locomotive is expected to be the first of a series in the U.S. service. This project aligns with efforts to enhance rail capacity and efficiency at the ports.
In July 2023, the Port of Long Beach’s System-Wide Investment in Freight Transport (SWIFT) project was awarded $383.3 million by the California State Transportation Agency’s (CalSTA) Port and Freight Infrastructure Program (PFIP) to accelerate port modernization, improve goods movement efficiency, and reduce adverse environmental impacts in port-adjacent communities. PFIP funding supports a Rail Efficiency and Advancement Project that includes, but is not limited to, a Zero-Emission Locomotive Program. Project completion is expected by December 2028.
BNSF – Progress Rail Battery-Electric Locomotive Demonstration Project
In September 2022, Progress Rail announced that they will supply up to four EMD Joule battery-electric locomotives for BNSF Railway (BNSF) to operate in railyards and routes in Southern California. These units will replace older diesel units operating in Southern California and will include charging systems for continuous operation. Locomotives delivery is expected to be in 2024. Progress Rail will also provide two charging stations to support the operation of the locomotives.
SCAQMD – Wabtec Hydrogen Fuel Cell Locomotive Demonstration
This project is a major step towards cleaner air and improved freight efficiency in Southern California. It involves deploying a network of zero-emission infrastructure across key locations, as well as demonstration of a short-line hydrogen fuel cell locomotive operating in and around Southern California. Wabtec will help design, develop, and demonstrate a short-line liquid hydrogen fuel cell locomotive for operation in Southern California ports. This project will support the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in the U.S. and pave the way for the technology's adoption in long-haul operations. The project is expected to be completed by May 2028.
Sierra Northern Railway Hydrogen Fuel Cell Locomotive Demonstration
In July 2023, Sierra Northern Railway, in partnership with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, secured $15.6 million from the Port and Freight Infrastructure Program (PFIP) to design and demonstrate three hydrogen fuel cell locomotives. This project, with a total cost of $19.5 million, builds on the success of a 2021 project where a first-generation hydrogen-fueled zero-emission switcher locomotive replaced an older Tier 0 diesel locomotive. The project is estimated to be completed in 2027.