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Abstract

Long range, zero emission, battery-electric line haul locomotive, off-grid renewable energy recharging infrastructure and method of operation are presented. Proposed battery-electric locomotive (Neon Zero) designed to exceed performance and operational capabilities of current state-of-the-art diesel-electric interstate line-haul locomotives, such as Wabtec (former GE) Evolution ET44AC series (USA), and EMD SD70ACe-T4 series from Electro-Motive Diesel (USA). Competitively priced with Tier 4+ diesel-electric locomotives, with affordable off-grid renewable energy recharging infrastructure, absolute zero emission, improved productivity, and huge savings on fuel cost (5+ times), maintenance (2+ times), and cabin crew expenses (up to 2 times) make proposed Neon Zero locomotive natural choice for replacement of diesel-electric locomotives worldwide, and particularly in North America railroad freight service. The Neon Zero locomotives and nationwide recharging infrastructure will bring dramatic benefits to railroads, shippers and the public, more significant than switching from steam to diesel-electric locomotives. Enabling technology for practical battery-electric, long range line haul locomotive will be a new generation of low cost/high specific energy Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt batteries with high nickel/low cobalt content such as NMC 811, or similar chemistry. Such battery cells are coming into mass production around 2025, and soon will be available from all major battery manufacturers. First time in the history of electric vehicles, including locomotives, NMC 811 battery-powered vehicles will cost less than similar vehicles powered by diesel engines.

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