BHP has been testing two Wabtec FLXDrive battery-electric locomotives at its Jimblebar iron ore mine in Australia for nearly a year. These heavy-haul engines feature 4,400 hp and are equipped with 7 MWh battery packs.
The locomotives utilize regenerative braking to capture energy during downhill runs, which can potentially recharge the batteries for return trips. The units operate on routes between the Jimblebar mine and Port Hedland.
BHP announced plans this week to add two more battery-electric locomotives to its Pilbara operations. These additional units, supplied by Progress Rail, were delivered to Perth in FY2026 and are scheduled for testing in FY2027.
The company intends to conduct side-by-side evaluations of battery-electric technologies from two different manufacturers. This trial program aims to compare performance and accelerate the adoption of large-scale rail electrification.
