Wabtec and GM to Develop Advanced Ultium Battery and HYDROTEC Hydrogen Fuel Cell Solutions for Rail Industry

Rhea-AI Summary

Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) and General Motors (NYSE: GM) are collaborating to develop GM's Ultium battery and HYDROTEC hydrogen fuel cell technologies for Wabtec locomotives. This partnership aims to promote a zero-emission future in rail transportation. Wabtec's FLXdrive locomotive can reduce carbon emissions by 30% and is the world's first fully battery-powered locomotive. The nonbinding memorandum of understanding signifies both companies' commitment to advancing sustainable rail solutions using advanced propulsion technologies.

Positive

• Collaboration aims for zero-emission locomotives, enhancing sustainability in transportation.
• Wabtec's FLXdrive locomotive has shown potential to reduce carbon emissions by 30%.
• GM's Ultium battery technology offers efficiency and reliability for rail applications.

Negative

• None.

PITTSBURGH, June 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) and General Motors (NYSE: GM) today announced they will collaborate to develop and commercialize GM's Ultium battery technology and HYDROTEC hydrogen fuel cell systems for Wabtec locomotives.

"The rail industry is on the cusp of a sustainable transformation with the introduction of batteries and hydrogen to power locomotive fleets," said Rafael Santana, CEO and president of Wabtec. "Our FLXdrive locomotive, the world's first 100-percent battery powered locomotive, has proven its potential to slash carbon emissions by up to 30 percent when operating at 6 MWh. But we can't stop there. By working with GM on Ultium battery and HYDROTEC hydrogen fuel cell technologies, we can accelerate the rail industry's path to decarbonization and pathway to zero-emission locomotives by leveraging these two important propulsion technologies."

Wabtec and GM signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding to advance the two companies' shared vision of a zero-emissions future in transportation. Wabtec will bring its expertise in energy management and systems optimization to develop a solution for heavy haul locomotives that takes full advantage of GM's advanced technologies.

"Rail networks are critical to transportation and to GM's ability to serve our customers across North America, and Wabtec's bold plan to de-carbonize heavy haul and other locomotive applications helps advance our vision of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion," said Mark Reuss, GM president. "Wabtec's decision to deploy GM's Ultium battery and HYDROTEC hydrogen fuel cell systems further validates our advanced technology and demonstrates its versatility."

GM's Ultium battery technology is anticipated to provide the flexibility, efficiency, power and reliability needed for rail. Ultium Cells LLC, GM's joint venture with LG Energy Solution, is currently constructing battery cell plants in Ohio and Tennessee. 

GM's HYDROTEC hydrogen fuel cell power cubes are compact and easy to package and can be used in a wide range of applications, including locomotives. HYDROTEC fuel cell systems will be assembled from globally sourced parts by Fuel Cell Systems Manufacturing, LLC in Brownstown, Michigan, the manufacturing joint venture between General Motors and Honda.

Wabtec

Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) is focused on creating transportation solutions that move and improve the world. The company is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services for the freight and transit rail industries, as well as the mining, marine and industrial markets. Wabtec has been a leader in the rail industry for over 150 years and has a vision to achieve a zero-emission rail system in the U.S. and worldwide. The company has approximately 27,000 employees located at facilities in 50 countries throughout the world. Visit Wabtec's new website at: www.wabteccorp.com. 

General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at www.gm.com.

 

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SOURCE General Motors Co.

FAQ

What is the collaboration between Wabtec and GM focused on?

The collaboration is focused on developing and commercializing GM's Ultium battery technology and HYDROTEC hydrogen fuel cell systems for Wabtec locomotives.

When was the press release announcing Wabtec and GM's collaboration issued?

The press release was issued on June 15, 2021.

What is the goal of Wabtec and GM's partnership?

The goal of the partnership is to advance a zero-emission future in transportation, particularly within the rail industry.

What is the environmental impact of Wabtec's FLXdrive locomotive?

Wabtec's FLXdrive locomotive can reduce carbon emissions by up to 30% when operating at 6 MWh.

What are the expected benefits of GM's Ultium battery technology for rail?

GM's Ultium battery technology is expected to provide flexibility, efficiency, power, and reliability needed for rail applications.