The move follows an existing contract with Siemens Mobility North America, under which 13 battery-electric locomotives are expected to be procured.
The locomotives will primarily draw power from overhead catenary wires and switch to battery mode in areas where catenary power is unavailable. This dual-mode operation is intended to allow continuous service without reliance on diesel propulsion. The design is based on Siemens Mobility’s Charger platform.
Metro-North’s fleet expansion includes the introduction of four additional stations in the Bronx as part of the Penn Station Access project. The new locomotives are expected to operate with coach cars in push-pull configurations similar to existing diesel-powered trains.
If approved by the MTA Board, the battery-electric locomotives would be added to an ongoing procurement that includes 33 dual-mode diesel-electric units. The existing order covers SC42-DM locomotives, which Metro-North unveiled in November 2024. The latest procurement option extends Metro-North’s efforts to introduce new traction technology to its operations.
