Wabtec FLXDrive

The Wabtec FLXDrive platform (pronounced "flex-drive") is a class of battery-electric locomotives manufactured by Wabtec's GE Transportation subsidiary beginning in 2019. Using a modified version of the GE Evolution Series platform, FLXdrive is Wabtec's first zero-emissions locomotive, storing energy in 20 racks of lithium-ion battery cells.^[1] FLXDrive is a hybrid-electric locomotive, meaning it works in conjunction with traditional diesel-electric locomotives to provide regenerative braking for a train. The first-generation locomotives (with a capacity of 2.4 MWh) are able to operate 30 to 40 minutes at full power when being not connected to another locomotive.^[2]

The first prototype locomotive, number 3000, was successfully tested on BNSF Railway in 2021 and found to reduce fuel consumption when paired with conventional diesel-electric locomotives.^[2] Since 2020, FLXDrive locomotives have been ordered by Union Pacific, Canadian National, Rio Tinto,^[3] BHP, and Roy Hill. The first locomotives are scheduled to enter service in 2023.^[4]

In 2022, Wabtec announced a line of battery-electric locomotives including six-axle, four-axle, and foreign market variants.^[5] Wabtec plans to market the FLXDrive in tandem with hydrogen-powered locomotives, allowing the two types to complement each other.^[6]

On October 31, 2023, Wabtec unveiled the first production FLXDrive locomotive planned for delivery to the Australian Roy Hill ore railway in 2024.^[7] That unit, however, was never delivered and is now part of the test fleet. ^[8]

BHP's locomotives arrived in Port Hedland in November 2025.^[9]