US Army's first 100% electric train recharges in just 2.5 hours

The US Army unveiled its first 100% battery-powered locomotive at Fort Hood, marking a significant step in modernizing military transportation. The ATLAS electric locomotive was converted from an Army-owned diesel engine and uses lithium-ion battery technology. Designed to reduce maintenance and fuel costs while cutting carbon emissions, the train operates continuously for 12 hours and can fully recharge in about 2.5 hours. It also features regenerative braking to recover energy. The locomotive will be integrated into daily rail yard operations at Fort Hood, a key logistics hub, and is expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by over 308 metric tons and save more than $50,000 in fuel costs. Beyond transportation, the electric locomotive serves as a mobile energy platform capable of supplying power to the Rail Operations Center and nearby facilities for up to 48 hours during emergencies, enhancing operational resilience. This project is part of a broader Army initiative in partnership with Dominion Energy and funded through a Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant. Fort Hood, the Army’s busiest