VIA Rail orders Stadler diesel-battery hybrid locomotives for long-distance services
CANADA: National passenger operator VIA Rail has awarded Stadler a C$1.6bn contract to supply 45 diesel-battery hybrid locomotives as part of its Long-Distance, Regional & Remote fleet modernisation programme.
The contract was announced by the Canadian government and VIA Rail on July 29.
Battery-hybrid traction system
Stadler said the locos are being developed for ‘dependable operation across Canada’s vast geography and demanding climate’, including temperatures as low as -50°C. The design builds on technologies it has supplied for use in harsh winter conditions in countries including Sweden and Norway.
The manufacturer said the locomotives would combine proven diesel-electric technology with an innovative battery-assisted hybrid traction system designed to improve operational performance and reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
The traction battery modules with cells to be supplied by ABB from its Saint-Laurent facility will supply energy for onboard auxiliary systems, head-end power requirements and traction. Combining battery power with the diesel engine will deliver up to 4 MW of power at the wheel, a starting tractive effort of 350 kN, and a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h.
The hybrid architecture will enable the recovery and storage of braking energy, improving overall energy efficiency while reducing fuel consumption and maintenance requirements.
The locos will be able to operate on battery power to reduce emissions and noise in stations and other environmentally sensitive areas. They will also be able to use battery power to reach a safe location in the ‘unlikely event’ of a diesel powertrain failure.
Manufacturing and support
The locos will be manufactured at Stadler’s Albuixech factory near València in Spain. At least nine locos are to be completed in Spain, with the final assembly of up to 36 to be undertaken in Montréal. Testing and commissioning will also be carried out in Canada.
The order includes a 20-year Technical Support & Spare Supply Agreement. This will be delivered through Stadler’s Service Division through a subsidiary to be incorporated in Canada. Stadler personnel are to be based at VIA Rail’s main maintenance facilities in Montréal, Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver.
Stadler said its first Canadian locomotive contract would contribute to the development of the country’s railway industry by creating skilled jobs in manufacturing, testing and maintenance, while supporting the transfer of expertise and advanced technologies.
The government expects the overall project to support the equivalent of 1 200 full-time jobs in skilled manufacturing, construction, engineering and long-term maintenance, with significant economic benefits centred in Montréal and extending across Canada’s rail supply chain.
Assembly and maintenance facility
The government has announced C$357m of funding for VIA Rail to build a final assembly and long-term maintenance facility at Pointe-Saint-Charles in Montréal.
This will be built by construction contractor Pomerleau, which has been working with VIA Rail to modernise the existing Montréal Maintenance Centre since 2022. The next phase of the project includes the construction of a 9 000 m² maintenance centre, more tracks and the installation of specialised infrastructure to support the new locomotives.
Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon said that ‘for the first time in more than 25 years, we’re bringing passenger rail locomotive assembly back to Montréal. This investment means skilled manufacturing jobs, stronger Canadian supply chains, and a modern fleet that will keep Canadians connected for decades to come.
‘By combining Canadian expertise with world-class European innovation, we’re strengthening our economy while building a more resilient passenger rail network for the future.’
Coach order to follow
An order is to follow for hauled coaches for Long-Distance, Regional & Remote services outside the Québec City – Windsor Corridor, where Siemens Mobility has renewed the fleet.
Lana Payne, President of the Unifor trade union which represents many VIA rail staff, said the locomotive investment ‘will lead to building up our own manufacturing capacity which is key as we send a message about Canada’s determination to strengthen its advanced manufacturing sector’.
The union said the government should use its procurement strength to build and buy Canadian, saying ‘there is no better time to do that than in the face of trade aggression from the United States’.
Payne said ‘we welcome the return of passenger locomotive assembly to Canada and hope this marks the first step toward rebuilding our domestic rail manufacturing capacity. Canada must do more than assemble — we must also design, manufacture and innovate here at home.’
See also
- VIA Rail awards C$150m long-distance sleeping car modernisation contract
- VIA Rail seeks dome cars as part of pan-Canadian fleet renewal
- VIA Rail fleet renewal funding confirmed
- VIA Rail highlights comfort and accessibility of next generation of Corridor trains
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