Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 18, 2026

Wabtec FLXDrive

The Wabtec FLXDrive platform is a class of battery-electric locomotives manufactured by Wabtec's GE Transportation subsidiary beginning in 2019. Using a modified version of the GE Evolution Series platform, FLXdrive is Wabtec's first zero-emissions locomotive, storing energy in 20 racks of lithium-ion battery cells. FLXDrive is a hybrid-electric locomotive, meaning it works in conjunction with traditional diesel-electric locomotives to provide regenerative braking for a train. The first-generation locomotives are able to operate 30 to 40 minutes at full power when being not connected to another locomotive.

Last revised
Jul 18, 2026
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Wabtec FLXDrive
Type and origin
Power typeBattery-electric
BuilderWabtec/GE Transportation
Build dateDecember 2019 - Present
Total produced1 (18 on order)
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARA1A-A1A
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
TrucksGE Hi-Ad
Traction motorsGE GEB15
Performance figures
Maximum speed75 mph (121 km/h)
Power output4,400 hp (3,281.08 kW)
Career
Operators
Locale
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Australia

The Wabtec FLXDrive platform (pronounced "flex-drive") is a class of battery-electric locomotives manufactured by Wabtec's GE Transportation subsidiary beginning in 2019. Using a modified version of the GE Evolution Series platform, FLXdrive is Wabtec's first zero-emissions locomotive, storing energy in 20 racks of lithium-ion battery cells.1 FLXDrive is a hybrid-electric locomotive, meaning it works in conjunction with traditional diesel-electric locomotives to provide regenerative braking for a train. The first-generation locomotives (with a capacity of 2.4 MWh) are able to operate 30 to 40 minutes at full power when being not connected to another locomotive.2

The first prototype locomotive, number 3000, was successfully tested on BNSF Railway in 2021 and found to reduce fuel consumption when paired with conventional diesel-electric locomotives.2 Since 2020, FLXDrive locomotives have been ordered by Union Pacific, Canadian National, Rio Tinto,3 BHP, and Roy Hill. The first locomotives are scheduled to enter service in 2023.4

In 2022, Wabtec announced a line of battery-electric locomotives including six-axle, four-axle, and foreign market variants.5 Wabtec plans to market the FLXDrive in tandem with hydrogen-powered locomotives, allowing the two types to complement each other.6

On October 31, 2023, Wabtec unveiled the first production FLXDrive locomotive planned for delivery to the Australian Roy Hill ore railway in 2024.7 That unit, however, was never delivered and is now part of the test fleet. 8

BHP's locomotives arrived in Port Hedland in November 2025.9

Customers

Owner Qty. No. Notes
GE Transportation 1 3000
BHP 2 9001, 9002
Canadian National 1 TBD
Rio Tinto 4 TBD Trial cancelled10
Roy Hill 1 2001 Never delivered, now GECX 2025
Union Pacific 10 TBD
Total 18
References

References

  1. "FLXdrive". Wabtec Corporation. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  2. Vantuono, William C. (September 14, 2021). "FLXdrive 'Electrifies' Pittsburgh". Railway Age. Retrieved 2022-12-08.
  3. "Rio Tinto orders four Wabtec FLXdrive all battery electric locos to help cut Scope 1 & 2 emissions in the Pilbara". International Mining. 2022-01-10. Archived from the original on 2022-12-06. Retrieved 2025-11-21.
  4. Casey, Tina (2022-01-17). "Wabtec's Electric Locomotive Trickle Suddenly Becomes A Flood". CleanTechnica. Retrieved 2022-12-08.
  5. "Battery Electric Locomotive Technology FLXdrive". Wabtec Corporation (PDF). September 9, 2022. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  6. Fender, Keith (September 23, 2022). "Wabtec planning for transition from diesel". Trains. Retrieved 2022-12-08.
  7. "Wabtec and Roy Hill Unveil the First FLXdrive Battery Locomotive". Wabtec Corporation. October 31, 2023. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
  8. "Roy Hill's FLX Drive Battery Locomotive is no more, it is now Wabtec 2025!". YouTube. 9 May 2025.
  9. "BHP takes delivery of Australia's first purpose-built battery-electric locomotives". Mining Weekly. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  10. "Forrest launches battery-powered trains as green deadline nears". ABC News. 2026-02-14. Retrieved 2026-02-17.
External links