General Motors to supply batteries and systems to Wabtec locomotive

General Motors will be supplying electric batteries and hydrogen fuel cell systems for vehicle manufacturer Wabtec Corp’s locomotives, in a move extending GM’s scope outside the automotive sector.

Wabtec has been developing locomotives powered by electric batteries and hydrogen fuel cells in response to rail industry demand to get rid of carbon emissions. It has a test electric locomotive model and aims to build a second-generation version, with deliveries starting in 2023.

“The rail industry is on the cusp of a sustainable transformation with the introduction of batteries and hydrogen to power locomotive fleets,” Wabtec CEO Rafael Santan said.

Under the nonbinding memorandum of understanding, GM will provide Ultium electric batteries and Hydrotec hydrogen fuel cell power cubes.

The terms of the deal were not revealed.

“Wabtec’s decision to deploy GM’s Ultium battery and Hydrotec hydrogen fuel cell systems further validates our advanced technology,” GM President Mark Reuss said.