CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive's Hybrid Mainline Locomotive for Hungary Completes Historic Zero-Emission Test

Recently, Hungarian rail freight company (RCH) announced the successful completion of historic tests on a hybrid mainline locomotive custom-built by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive under regular operational conditions, marking a breakthrough in Hungary's innovative rail technology. Relying entirely on battery power, the locomotive hauled a 2,200-ton train for 6.4 kilometers between the Sajóbábony siding and Miskolc marshalling yard, demonstrating the practical application potential of zero-emission technology.

In 2019, RCH commissioned CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive to develop a new-generation locomotive to replace diesel ones, with requirements for energy efficiency, off-wire operation, and ergonomic design. CRRC responded by creating a unique "electric-electric hybrid" technology, delivering two mainline locomotives and two shunting locomotives that made RCH the first European enterprise to apply zero-emission, high-performance locomotives in freight transport. The locomotives adopt a dual-power system of "overhead catenary + power battery," using titanate lithium batteries. They can be rapidly charged in electrified areas (2.5 hours while moving / 8-10 hours stationary) and rely on energy storage for off-wire operation. With a rated power of 5,600 kW, a maximum speed of 120 km/h, and a starting tractive effort of 300 kN, they feature high safety and comply with EU TSI standards through automatic electro-pneumatic braking systems, fire monitoring, and active fire-extinguishing devices, meeting frequent start-stop and high-fire-safety requirements.

This technological breakthrough addresses the limitation of traditional electric locomotives' reliance on catenaries, enabling continuous operation in power-outage zones (e.g., faults, construction) or non-electrified industrial sidings, thus avoiding costly shunting operations with diesel locomotives. Currently, mainline locomotives using this technology have entered service in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, and other European countries, setting an innovative benchmark for low-carbon rail transport.