Growth
Omaha, Neb.
|September 23, 2026
Charging into the Future: Union Pacific Debuts First Two Battery-Electric Locomotives in Southern California
Union Pacific Railroad today announced the arrival of two battery-electric locomotives in Southern California, part of the company's ongoing investments in testing next-generation technologies in real-world operating environments.
The locomotives are the first of four FLXdrive battery-electric units built by Wabtec and ordered by Union Pacific. Two additional locomotives are scheduled to arrive in October, completing the four-unit fleet that will operate in the greater Los Angeles area.
"Union Pacific has never been content to stand still. Our industry is constantly evolving, and if we're not exploring what's next, we risk being left behind," said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. "Testing technologies like battery-electric locomotives help us to better understand what's possible by putting these emerging technologies to work in actual railroad operations.”
The FLXdrive, which is powered by approximately 7,000 battery cells, will undergo extensive testing in a variety of railroad operations, including switching and providing local customer service. Operating in a busy rail yard will give Union Pacific valuable data on the technology's performance, reliability and operational capabilities.
“This milestone reflects Wabtec’s shared commitment with Union Pacific to advancing the future of freight rail,” said Rafael Santana, Wabtec’s chairman and CEO. “By deploying FLXdrive in daily operations, we’re building real-world insights needed to refine and scale battery-electric technology, delivering best-in-class value for our customers.”
Each locomotive provides roughly 2.7 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage and produces zero tailpipe emissions during operation.
Rail is the most fuel efficient way to move freight over land and can transport one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel. Union Pacific's evaluation of battery-electric locomotives builds on the railroad's ongoing investment in modernizing operations, improving efficiency and advancing technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the future of freight transportation.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com.
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