autoevolution
 

Audi Unveils Plug-In Hybrid Diesel Locomotive to Be Used in Ingolstadt

Audi Unveils Plug-in Hybrid Diesel Locomotive to Be Used in Ingolstadt 5 photos
Photo: Audi
Audi Unveils Plug-in Hybrid Diesel Locomotive to Be Used in IngolstadtAudi Unveils Plug-in Hybrid Diesel Locomotive to Be Used in IngolstadtAudi Unveils Plug-in Hybrid Diesel Locomotive to Be Used in IngolstadtAudi Unveils Plug-in Hybrid Diesel Locomotive to Be Used in Ingolstadt
Did you know that carmaking facilities in Ingolstadt have 18 kilometers of railways and that 15 trails with parts arrive at Ingolstadt North railway station for Audi every day? With that much railway traffic, Audi thought a bit of sustainability was in order, so it developed a 1,000 horsepower plug-in hybrid locomotive.
That's right, you're looking at a hybrid train that can carry hybrid cars. However, its environment impact is much greater than any e-tron model. By running purely on electricity for two hours at a time, this goliath machine can emit 60 fewer tons of CO2 each year.

60 tons - that's like 50 Audi A1 in carbon dioxide and who knows how much diesel fumes that would damage the health of Ingolstadt employees.

“Our goal is all round sustainable logistics,” stated Johann Schmid, head of the Audi plant railway in Ingolstadt. “The new railway technology allows more economical, energy efficient and low emission rail transport. In connection with the latest chassis technology, the plug in hybrid locomotive sets new standards in shunting and rail transport.”

Audi currently has 17 locomotive drivers working for the Ingolstadt railway. They deliver pressed parts, engines and transmissions, as well as cars from other Audi sites that are ready for delivery to customers.

One locomotive carries out as many as 75 shunting maneuvers every day and operates for an average of 3,800 hours each year. That's nearly 10.5 hours per day, every day.

This new plug-in hybrid model can recharge while at rest and run for up to 2 hours on its battery power. The juice comes from CO2-free electricity, but the diesel engine may also support while in motion.

In February, Alstom announced a contract to supply automotive manufacturer Audi with two Type H3 battery-diesel hybrid shunting locomotives. The three-axle machine consumes up to 50% less fuel and cuts pollution.

“The size and performance of the locomotives are perfectly tailored to our requirements. Whereas the old traction vehicles consume over 20 litres of fuel per hour, the generator of the hybrid locomotive, which is needed only to charge the battery block, requires a maximum of nine litres per hour,” added Johann Schmid.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories