Sacramento(US): According to a press release from Siemens, the Departments of Transportation for the U.S. states of Illinois, California, Michigan, Missouri and Washington have given a contract to Siemens for the delivery of 32 diesel-electric passenger locomotives.
The contract is valued for $225 Million and includes a purchase option for another 225 of the hybrid trains.
Jochen Eickholt, CEO of the Siemens Rail Systems Division said that the order enables Siemens to enter into the U.S. diesel-electric locomotive market and strongly emphasize their long-term vision for the U.S. passenger rail market.
The Charger locomotives are to be be used exclusively for passenger service.
The trains will be manufactured at the Siemens plant in Sacramento, California while the primary traction drive, a 4,400 hp-rated diesel engine with 16 cylinders and a cubic capacity of 95 liters, will be manufactured by Cummins Inc., in Columbus, Indiana.
These modern locomotives are powerful and efficient which can offer a cleaner ride, with better air quality and reduced emission rates. The are capable of exhibiting features in compliance with the Federal Railroad’s EPA Tier IV regulation expected to be established in 2015.

Video on hybrid diesel electric train Locomotive