On March 4, China’s first heavy-duty electric locomotive integrating mainline and shunting operations, featuring an electric–electric dual-source high-power system, commenced trial operation at Nanping Station on Xinshuo Railway operated by CHN Energy. The locomotive introduces an innovative integrated freight transport mode that combines multiple control strategies and employs a hybrid power supply system using both overhead contact lines and batteries. It is engineered to intelligently switch between power sources based on varying operational scenarios, thereby ensuring a seamless transition between long-haul and shunting duties.

The locomotive is undergoing operational testing.

Designed with a traction capacity ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 tons, the locomotive supports several operating modes, including pantograph, battery, hybrid, low constant speed and dynamic braking modes. This versatility makes it suitable for continuous transportation across both electrified and non-electrified segments of the rail network. By streamlining the locomotive exchange process, the integrated operation approach cuts down turnaround time by more than three hours, significantly boosting overall transport efficiency.

Equipped with an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) and a battery-based intelligent fire extinguishing system, the locomotive continuously monitors battery status, automatically detecting temperature fluctuations and smoke to trigger preemptive cooling measures that prevent thermal runaway. Furthermore, its adoption of new energy power technology, featuring fast-charging capabilities and full recovery of regenerative braking energy, results in an annual reduction of approximately 53 tons of nitrogen oxides emissions and fuel cost savings of about 2.15 million RMB per unit. These attributes underscore its strong environmental and energy-saving benefits.

This technological breakthrough has been recognized in the Guidance Catalogue for the Promotion and Application of Major Technological Equipment (2024 Edition) published by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and has successfully secured 10 national invention patents and 12 utility model patents. In addition, 15 papers detailing the innovation have been published in national core journals, establishing the locomotive as a model for the development of heavy-duty, environmentally friendly electric locomotives by CHN Energy.