Fort Hood to commission First 100% Battery-powered Locomotive in U.S. Army
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Fort Hood, Texas, is set to commission the first 100% battery-powered, zero-emission electric locomotive in the United States Army on December 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Fort Hood railhead. This initiative marks a significant step towards energy resiliency, modernization, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels for the U.S. military.
A Collaborative Effort for Energy Innovation
The project is a collaboration between the U.S. Army,Dominion Energy, and innovative Rail Technologies (IRT). it involves converting a legacy diesel locomotive into a state-of-the-art electric workhorse, funded by the Texas Military Preparedness Commission. This conversion aims to enhance mission capabilities and bolster infrastructure resilience at the installation.
Powering the Future with ATLAS technology
The newly commissioned locomotive utilizes IRT’s advanced ATLAS lithium-ion battery-electric propulsion system. This system allows the locomotive to perform heavy-duty tasks, including hauling military equipment like Abrams tanks. Beyond its primary function, the locomotive can also function as a mobile power source, providing up to 2.4 megawatts of backup emergency power.
This capability is crucial for maintaining operational readiness, offering an additional layer of resilience during power outages or emergency events, including potential cyberattacks. The ability to generate on-site power enhances Fort Hood’s ability to respond to and recover from disruptions.
Cost-Effective Modernization and Environmental Benefits
Dominion Energy spearheaded the project, selecting IRT due to its cutting-edge battery technology. The project was chosen as the top proposal for funding by the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, highlighting its potential impact.
The conversion offers a cost-effective approach to modernizing an aging locomotive fleet while together supporting Fort hood’s environmental and community coordination objectives. By eliminating diesel emissions, the locomotive contributes to cleaner air and a reduced carbon footprint.
Media Facts
Media representatives interested in covering the commissioning ceremony should contact 254-449-5298 by 3:00 p.m. on December 12, 2025. Media should meet the public affairs escort at 12:30 p.m. on December 15, 2025, in the south-side parking lot of the marvin Leath Visitor Center.
Key Takeaways:
* Fort Hood will commission the first 100% battery-powered locomotive in the U.S. Army.
* The project is a collaboration between the U.S. Army, Dominion Energy, and Innovative Rail Technologies.
* The locomotive utilizes IRT’s ATLAS lithium-ion battery-electric propulsion system.
* It can haul heavy military equipment and provide 2.4 megawatts of backup power.
* The initiative supports energy resiliency, modernization, and environmental sustainability.
This project demonstrates the Army’s commitment to innovative solutions for energy challenges and its dedication to building a more enduring and resilient future. Further deployments of similar technology could substantially reduce the military’s reliance on fossil fuels and enhance operational capabilities across various installations.
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