Forsee Power and Wabtec have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate Forsee Power’s PULSE PLUS RAIL battery system into Wabtec’s battery-electric locomotive platforms.

Wabtec, a global provider of both freight rail and mining truck powertrains, launched a battery-electric freight locomotive in 2021.

The PULSE PLUS RAIL system is built on Toshiba’s lithium titanate (LTO) cells. It operates at up to 1,500 VDC, and boasts an expected lifespan of up to 20 years. Liquid thermal management is designed to extend battery life under extreme temperatures and demanding duty cycles. The architecture incorporates LOTO electrical isolation for maintenance safety, and provides accessible routing to electronic and electromechanical components.

LTO chemistry is well-suited to heavy rail applications in which replacement downtime is expensive, Forsee Power explains. Lithium titanate anodes support exceptionally high cycle counts, fast charging rates and stable performance at temperature extremes—all relevant for locomotive duty cycles that may involve regenerative braking recovery and overnight fast charging.

The electrical architecture is designed to be suitable for both freight and passenger applications.

Forsee Power manufactures in Ohio, so the PULSE PLUS RAIL system is Buy America-compliant—a practical requirement for US freight and transit rail procurement.

Source: Forsee Power