@Rusty Traque posted:I would suspect while "on the road" it's pretty much like a hybrid car when the engine keeps charging the batteries as needed.
No, as everything I've read indicates that there is absolutely NO engine on board. The batteries must be charged from a way-side charging station.
There should also be a regenerative feature used downhill.
Yes, i.e. dynamic braking also recharges the batteries.
While sitting idle on the ready track in the engine terminal is another question. Either the UP will install charging facilities at major terminals or they'll plug in a diesel locomotive to recharge the battery locomotives.
How would a current diesel electric unit be able to be plugged into the battery unit? There is no HEP on freight units.
I suspect the battery locomotives will work primarily in California for the immediate future and not wander out of state.
One thing for sure, 20 locomotives in regular service will be a good proving ground rather than test/demo trains.
Rusty
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