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Palmetto Railways new partnership will retrofit two locomotives to battery-electric power

Palmetto Railways announced its partnership with Innovative Rail Technologies, which is a rail solutions provider offering its proprietary technology.

blue Palmetto Railways locomotive riding along a brown track

Palmetto Railways is a Class III terminal switching and short line railroad located in Charleston.

Photo provided by Palmetto Railways

Palmetto Railways, a Class III terminal switching and short-line railroad located in Charleston, has partnered with Innovative Rail Technologies (IRT) to convert two diesel switcher locomotives to lithium-ion battery-powered ones.

These locomotives cost less to operate and reduce carbon emissions. The plan is for these engines to be delivered and serviced within two years.

This change will also:

  • Reduce the amount of diesel fuel by ~40,000 gallons annually per locomotive.
  • Help maximize a cleaner + more efficient transfer and shipment of goods through its existing North Charleston facilities.
  • Support the Navy Base Intermodal Facility, currently under construction with the South Carolina Ports Authority.

“As South Carolina’s trusted Lowcountry short-line rail provider, Palmetto Railways is steadfast in our commitment to adopting advanced technologies that not only help to reduce our environmental impact to our neighboring North Charleston communities, but prioritize safety, efficiency and reliable rail service for current and future customers,” said Palmetto Railways President and CEO Patrick McCrory.