Siemens has entered into a $225 million contract with five state DOTs, led by Illinois DOT, to build 32 diesel-electric locomotives with options for 225 additional locomotives. The first vehicles are due to arrive in 2016.

The state DOTs of Illinois, California, Michigan, Washington, and Missouri are using FRA funds for this contract, part of an $808 million allocation for the manufacture of the next generation of passenger rail equipment. Amtrak will operate the new vehicles on its intercity routes in California and the Midwest.

The new locomotives can achieve a maximum speed of 125 mph and meet new Federal Tier 4 emissions standards. They feature the same state-of-the-art technology as locomotives introduced last year by Amtrak on its highly traveled Northeast Corridor.

The Charger locomotives will be built at the Siemens rail manufacturing facility in Sacramento, CA. All main components will be produced in Siemens plants in the U.S., including traction motors and gearboxes in Norwood, OH, and propulsion containers in Alpharetta, GA. The diesel engines will be manufactured by Cummins in Seymour, IN.

Siemens noted that innovations in the Charger’s engine design will improve ride quality and stability and reduce shock and vibration. The new engines are lighter than traditional locomotives, leading to reduced wheel and track wear. A modular common rail fuel system adds to fuel efficiency while reducing noise and eliminating smoke, and a new engine aftertreatment system enhances air quality and lowers emission rates.