LOCOMOTIVE RETROFIT
WHY600: Batter Electric Locomotive Retrofit
Introduction
Alta’s engineering team was commissioned to develop a traction control solution for Fangda Jiujiang PinggangSteel’s battery-electric shunter retrofit. The project required integrating a complete traction and power system capable of meeting the continuous load demands of heavy industrial rail operations while improving energy efficiency and reliability over the original diesel configuration.
Alta's Scope of Work
Alta supplied the full electrical system and associated subsystems, including:
Technology Snapshot
The WHY600 locomotive operates on a 700 V, 650 kWh LFP battery system paired with a 640 kW traction drive, designed to deliver steady, high-torque performance in industrial environments.
Outcome & Significance
The WHY600 project demonstrated Alta’s ability to adapt its traction control architecture for mid-power locomotive applications. By tailoring the electrical system to the shunter’s specific operational profile, Alta delivered improved efficiency, thermal stability, and drivability, further validating its modular electrification platform for industrial rail use.