China Mainline Evolution

GE Transportation will deliver 300 locomotives for use on China's mainline rail system beginning in 2008. The six-axle freight locomotives will be powered by 16-cylinder, 6,000 horsepower GEVO engines.

The China Mainline Evolution locomotive reduces emissions and is more fuel efficient than the majority of locomotives in operation in China today.

Locomotive engines are significant contributors to air pollution in many cities and ports. Locomotives produced today continue to emit large amounts of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter (PM).

At GE, we are taking great strides to reduce the environmental impact of locomotives and the GEVO engine was designed with the environment in mind. The China Mainline Evolution locomotive is more fuel efficient and dramatically reduces emissions when compared to other locomotives in operation in China today.

Compared to the heavy-haul diesel electric freight locomotives produced prior to the advent of emissions regulations, the GE China Mainline Evolution produces 83 percent fewer particulates. The locomotive also has a much higher horsepower rating than existing locomotives. The six-axle freight locomotives are powered by 16-cylinder, 6,000 horsepower GEVO engines (ES59ACi).

If the entire Chinese fleet of 8,000 heavy-haul diesel electric freight locomotives were replaced, only 4,544 China Mainline Evolution locomotives would be required to do the job and smog-producing pollutants would be reduced by at least 28 percent. In addition, the China Mainline Evolution's automatic shutdown system (AESS) can reduce its idle time in the rail yard by up to 35 percent, saving fuel and reducing air pollution and noise.

The China Mainline Evolution locomotive saves 3 percent to 5 percent in fuel costs, which translates into significant financial savings for China's Ministry of Railways while helping China with its goal of reducing emissions.