ABS 004: Analysis of the Viability of Using Newly-Engineered Battery-Powered Locomotives in Los Angeles Area to Reduce Emissions and Derail Rising Citywide Temperatures

Eshan Alam ¹

¹ Brown University

Van Wickle (2026) Volume 2, ABS004

Introduction: My research, nominated for presentation at the 2026 National Undergraduate Research Conference, investigates the viability of newly manufactured and converted battery-electric locomotives as a solution for combating Nitrous Oxide emissions and the subsequent Urban Heat Island effect in the Port of Los Angeles. Using authoritative data from BNSF (2021) and the California Air Resources Board (2024), I confirmed that battery-electric and hybrid configurations significantly reduce pollution and fuel consumption. Specifically, 2021 BNSF testing demonstrated a 12% fuel savings and a positive correlation between reduced fuel burn and NOx mitigation. Crucially, I found that this technology offers a "grid-ready" alternative that bypasses the prohibitive infrastructure costs—estimated at up to 4.8 million per track mile—and the physical hurdles associated with traditional overhead catenary electrification. Beyond operational feasibility, I employed a systems-based analysis to map the broader socio-economic benefits, finding that reducing diesel-related emissions directly mitigates local heat-related productivity losses, which currently cost the Los Angeles government approximately $5 billion annually. Furthermore, my study highlights how this transition supports environmental restoration, addressing the 33% decline in local bird populations attributed to rising temperatures and poor air quality. By synthesizing technical performance data with social and economic indicators, I conclude that battery-electric rail is a highly feasible, cost-effective pathway to achieving zero-emission port operations and fostering long-term regional sustainability.

Methods: To investigate the feasibility of battery-electric rail, I employed a multi-dimensional, systems-based methodology centered on data synthesis and technical modeling. I primarily utilized quantitative performance data from the 2021 BNSF hybrid test runs and the 2024 CARB feasibility analysis to evaluate fuel reduction, NOx mitigation, and tractive power. These datasets allowed me to compare the operational energy capacity of various battery models, such as the EMD Joule SD70J-BB, against traditional diesel counterparts. Furthermore, I conducted a comparative economic analysis between battery-electric adoption and traditional electrification, incorporating cost estimates for infrastructure and power grid requirements. Finally, I developed a comprehensive flow diagram to visually map the systemic relationships between locomotive emissions, the Urban Heat Island effect, and subsequent socio-economic impacts on local worker productivity and regional biodiversity.

Results: I have shown that battery-electric and hybrid configurations yield substantial NOx and fuel reductions, with testing demonstrating a 12% savings in fuel usage. My analysis indicates that these locomotives can achieve 100% tailpipe emission reductions, directly mitigating the Urban Heat Island effect that currently costs the region $5 billion annually. Furthermore, I confirmed that battery power bypasses traditional electrification costs of $4.8 million per track mile while requiring only 0.1% of California’s daily power grid, effectively supporting local biodiversity and increasing worker productivity.

Discussion: My findings indicate that battery-electric rail serves as a viable, "grid-ready" alternative to traditional electrification, which has remained stagnant in the U.S. due to prohibitive infrastructure costs. By showing that this transition requires only 0.1% of California’s daily power grid, my research underscores a scalable pathway for decarbonizing busy transit hubs like the Port of Los Angeles. Future efforts should focus on standardizing battery-tender configurations to extend range and reliability. Ultimately, this shift offers a dual-benefit model for the field: achieving zero-emission freight while simultaneously reclaiming billions in heat-related economic losses.