This grant will fund 80% of the cost to construct a battery electric locomotive for use on the Grand Canyon Railway, between Williams, Arizona and Grand Canyon National Park.
A New Era of Train Travel: Grand Canyon Railway Receives $3.4 Million Grant to Go Zero-Emission with Battery Electric Power
November 2024 – Williams, AZ – All aboard for an even cleaner ride! The Grand Canyon Railway has been awarded a $3.4 million grant to convert one of its classic diesel locomotives into a zero-emission, battery-powered locomotive. This exciting shift, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, is part of a nationwide push for greener transportation and will enhance the scenic route from Williams, Arizona to Grand Canyon’s South Rim. With fewer emissions, visitors can now look forward to an even more sustainable journey through one of America’s most treasured landscapes.
“We are excited to embark on this new project and appreciate the support and funding from the Federal Railroad Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation. Champions of this project include local community Mayors, County Supervisors, Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and both Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema. This support allows us to pioneer sustainable, regenerative battery-electric locomotion that will help preserve this landscape and resources for future generations,” said Jeff D’Arpa, Vice President and General Manager at Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel.
The new locomotive will glide to the canyon on a single battery charge in this delicate ecosystem. “The Grand Canyon Railway is a place where you can experience both the amazing legacy of steam locomotion and soon, modern innovations such as battery-electric propulsion. This project will significantly reduce the already low environmental impact of visiting the Grand Canyon via rail and will provide a quieter and cleaner guest experience. This builds on our previous innovation of converting our historic steam locomotives to run on waste vegetable oil,” said Kevin Crosby, Director of Sustainability for Xanterra.
The eco-friendly upgrade includes regenerative braking, which captures energy during the train’s 64-mile journey across changing elevations, recharging the battery about 30% each trip. The new technology will also bring maintenance and fuel savings, keeping this experience sustainable for generations.
“This project is a unique chance to bring modern efficiency to a historic rail icon,” added Eric Hadder, Chief Mechanical Officer at Grand Canyon Railway. “Our team in Williams is proud to lead the way in regenerative electric technology. We are proud that the locomotive will be constructed by the Railway’s own employees in our Williams Locomotive Shop.”
The project is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s CRISI grant program, which supports environmentally forward-thinking rail projects across the country. Grand Canyon Railway worked with Innovative Rail Technologies to develop the grant request.
Frequently Asked Questions
The expected lifespan of the batteries is 12 years. After that time, the batteries can be replaced and the locomotive can continue to operate for another 12 years.
It is expected that this new locomotive will be in service in 2027.
Most passengers will not notice a difference in their onboard experience. However, the reduced noise and diesel exhaust will make for a more comfortable atmosphere, especially while visiting the Grand Canyon National Park.
Grand Canyon Railway has received a grant from the FRA CRISI program to cover the majority of the costs of this project. Innovative Rail Technologies has been instrumental in developing the grant proposal, and the overall design of this locomotive.
There will not be any impact on ticket prices. Operating costs will be slightly reduced due to the reduced purchase of diesel fuel and reduced maintenance.
Grand Canyon Railway operates every day except Christmas. This locomotive will be designed to operate in all of Northern Arizona’s climates.
Estimated 12 years
The batteries will be made in the USA.
When they no longer have enough capacity to work as an energy supply for the locomotive, they can be used as ground based storage to supplement a solar system.
There will be an extensive thermal management system onboard, which will heat and cool the batteries as appropriate for optimum performance.
There will be multiple batteries in the locomotive. If one battery fails, the locomotive will be able to continue at full power, however with slightly reduced range. Individual batteries can be changed out in the shop relatively easily.
CRISI (Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements) Grants provide funding for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail. Grand Canyon Railway is eligible as a Class III railroad, and this project meets the requirements of ‘Research, development, and testing to advance and facilitate innovative rail projects’ and ‘Rehabilitating, remanufacturing, procuring or overhauling locomotives for emissions reduction’.