The locomotive upgrade includes a regenerative braking system, which will recharge the batteries about 30% on each trip.
The Williams-based railway announced in late 2024 that it was awarded a $3.4 million federal grant to convert one of its diesel locomotives to a zero-emission battery-electric locomotive. Xanterra, the parent company of GCR, will pay 20% of the conversion cost under the U.S. Department of Transportation grant agreement.
“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, Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel vice president and general manager.
GCR workers in the Williams locomotive shop expect to convert a diesel locomotive to battery-electric power over the next two years. “The goal is to have it completed and operational by the first of the year in 2027,” said Eric Hadder, GCR chief mechanical officer.
When completed, the battery-electric locomotive can cover a 128-mile roundtrip between Williams and Grand Canyon on a single charge. That eliminates any need for charging infrastructure at the South Rim. All of the battery charging will be done in Williams.
The locomotive will be fitted with a derivative of lithium batteries but the exact type of and configuration has not been determined, Hadder said.
Grand Canyon Railway has relied mainly on diesel-powered locomotives since it started passenger service Sept. 17, 1989, exactly 88 years from when the first train reached the South Rim. But the company also operates a vintage steam locomotive generally on the first Saturday of each month, plus some additional dates. The steam engine is powered with recycled vegetable oil and is fondly known as the French Fry Express.
“This [electric locomotive] 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,” said Kevin Crosby, Xanterra director of sustainability.
The locomotive upgrade includes a regenerative braking system, which will recharge the batteries about 30% on each trip.
In addition to zero emissions, the new technology will shave expenses for fuel and maintenance.
Meanwhile, the electric locomotive will be interchangeable with a diesel locomotive, capable of carrying the same loads at the same speeds, Hadder said.
The battery-powered locomotive will be charged overnight in Williams so GCR will initially be unable to use solar panels to charge the train.
“Perhaps eventually a ground-based battery storage system can be developed that will charge during the day off of solar, and then be used to charge the battery locomotive at night,” Hadder said. “However, that is not currently on the drawing board.”
The locomotive batteries, made in the United States, will have a 12-year life span. GCR will employ a thermal management system on board that will heat or cool the batteries seasonally for optimal performance.
GCR noted that this electric locomotive project is supported by local mayors, Coconino County Supervisors, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, before she left office.
Superintendent Ed Keable of Grand Canyon National Park said, “We greatly appreciate the Grand Canyon Railway’s efforts in helping to reduce traffic and congestion within the park.”
Last year, GCR transported a total of 178,897 northbound riders.
“The Railway continues to provide exceptional visitor services to both the park and its visitors,” Keable said. “We commend the concessioner’s commitment to continuous improvement and look forward to our continued partnership.”
GCR revived passenger service from Williams to Grand Canyon in 1991, 23 years after service was discontinued. It carried nearly 85,000 passengers in its first year and increased its passenger count to 238,000 15 years later.
The company estimates that its rail service keeps more than 60,000 vehicles out of Grand Canyon National Park, reducing traffic and emissions. QCBN
By Peter Corbett, QCBN
Photo by Peter Corbett: One of Grand Canyon Railway’s diesel locomotives will be converted to battery-electric power by 2027.
Leave a Reply