During the test run, which was of major importance for the development of innovative rail technologies, the locomotive, optimised for RCH’s transport tasks, moved a train of 2,200 tonnes over a distance of 6.4 kilometres using the energy solely derived from its batteries. The test was conducted between the Sajóbábony railway siding and the Miskolc marshalling yard.
Rail Cargo Hungaria has ordered two line and two shunting locomotives from one of the world’s largest railway vehicle manufacturers, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co. Ltd. of China. The technology of the locomotives manufactured in Hunan province, China is electric-electric hybrid, which is unique even in the electric market. RCH is the first in Europe to use zero-emission, economical, high-performance line and shunting locomotives in the rail freight sector.
The electric-hybrid locomotive can continue its journey, even if the overhead line traction power supply is lost due to a malfunction or construction works. Thanks to this innovation, RCH no longer needs to replace the electric locomotive left without power with a diesel locomotive through a costly rail technology operation. The new technology offers a solution for servicing railway sidings too, where overhead lines are normally not available. Rail Cargo Hungaria’s new locomotives perform these tasks economically.
Thanks to its high energy storage capacity, the vehicle can recharge its battery in 2.5 hours on the go on sections with overhead lines or in 8-10 hours when stationary and can also do so at special charging points. The locomotive has a rated power of 5,600 kW, a starting tractive effort of 300 kN and a continuous tractive effort of 250 kN during operation.
The mainline locomotives, operating with innovative technology, are in service in Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria, in addition to Hungary.