Amtrak orders additional 50 Charger locomotives from Siemens

Amtrak has placed an order for an additional 50 Charger locomotives from Siemens Mobility. The new order will be combined with the 75 locomotives Amtrak placed in 2018 for the diesel-electric vehicles for use on the railroad’s national network.

The new locomotives are designated as ALC-42 for “Amtrak Long-distance Charger, 4,200-horsepower.” They will primarily replace Amtrak P40 and P42 diesel-electric locomotives. The new locomotives were introduced in Chicago in June 2021 and first entered service in February 2022.

The Tier 4 passenger locomotive reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 89 percent and particulate matter by 95 percent. The locomotives also consume less fuel and reach top speeds of 125 mph. These ALC-42 locomotives are an important part of Amtrak’s sustainability initiative.

“We’re dedicated to continuously seeking new and innovative technologies that provide solutions to meet transportation needs while reducing health and climate impacts,” said Amtrak Vice President and Chief Mechanical Officer George Hull. “We are focused on being the solution to get people out of cars and planes and onto rail for greater emissions reductions.”

The ALC-42 locomotives are built at Siemens Mobility’s Sacramento, Calif., facility and are Buy America compliant. Amtrak is paying a total of up to $2 billion for the new locomotives and supplemental multiyear maintenance support in its National Network, including about $850 million in funding set aside when the initial order was announced in 2018.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Amtrak as they continue to modernize their fleet with the latest in sustainable and intelligent rail technology,” said Michael Cahill, president of rolling stock for Siemens North America. “We are also grateful for Amtrak’s confidence in Siemens technology and applaud their continued efforts to provide their passengers with clean, green sustainable, safe and reliable travel experiences.”