Development of a hybrid switcher locomotive the Railpower Green Goat

The Green Goat, a diesel/battery hybrid switcher locomotive, demonstrated impressive fuel savings as the engine never operates at idle as on a conventional locomotive. The Railpower Green Goat locomotive design incorporates all of the above features, but most importantly, focuses on keeping the concept as well as the implementation as simple as possible. During initial trials at the Union Pacific Railroad in Chicago, Illinois, customer input was paramount in the design of the locomotives, and most customers encouraged as simple a design as possible. Hybrid locomotives are meeting the needs of the train industry. The partnering of a small heat engine with an energy-storing device has created a product with much more efficient fuel use and maneuverability. Our train system continues to be an important part of our economy, and advances in this technology show great promise now and in the years to come.