Initially, they will be built in Belfort, France; production later shifting to a new factory in Astana.[4] The first KZ8A off the production line was unveiled in October 2012.[5]
The locomotives will be among the most powerful in the world, capable of hauling 9000 tonne freight trains;[6] they have also been designed to cope with extremes of temperature.
The locomotives will weigh 200 tonnes, with 8.8MW power output and a maximum speed of 120km/h.[7]
Alstom started the production of passenger electric locomotives Prima M4 “KZ4AT" in the EKZ joint venture in Astana, Kazakhstan in June 2019. These locomotives are part of the contract signed with KTZ (Kazakhstan Railways) for delivery and maintenance of 302 Prima T8 "KZ8A" and 119 Prima M4 "KZ4AT" electric locomotives. The first passenger locomotive should be ready by the end of 2019 and then certified as new and premiere product "Made in Kazakhstan".[8]
