Siemens Charger

The Charger is powered by a Cummins 16-cylinder QSK95 4-stroke high speed diesel engine, which meets United States Environmental Protection Agency's more stringent Tier 4 emissions standards that took effect in 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dFKSVf9JAI|title=Siemens Charger locomotive receives a Cummins engine|last=TRAINS Magazine|date=February 19, 2016|via=YouTube}} Power output varies by model: the SCB-40 produces {{cvt|4000|hp|kW|lk=on}},{{Cite journal |last=Glucksman |first=Marc |date=2018 |title=The Siemens Diesel-Electric Series |journal=Passenger Train Journal |volume=42 |issue=1 |pages=18–21}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.railwayage.com/news/brightline-going-biodiesel/|title=Brightline going biodiesel|last=C. Vantuono|first=William|date=July 5, 2017|work=Railway Age|access-date=February 13, 2018}} the SC-44 produces {{cvt|4400|hp|kW}}, and both the SCV-42 and ALC-42 produce {{cvt|4200|hp|kW|abbr=}}.{{cite journal | title=SC-44s on the horizon | author=Guss, Chris | journal=Trains | date=July 2016 | volume=76 | issue=7 | pages=17}}{{Cite web|date=August 5, 2020|title=Amtrak Prepares for New Diesel Locomotive Fleet|url=http://media.amtrak.com/2020/08/amtrak-prepares-for-new-diesel-locomotive-fleet/|access-date=August 10, 2020|website=Amtrak Media|language=en-US}} The maximum speed in service is {{cvt|125|mph}}.{{Cite web |last=Railway Age Staff |date=2018-12-21 |title=Amtrak power renewal: 75 Siemens Chargers for long-distance trains |url=https://railwayage.com/passenger/intercity/amtrak-begins-power-renewal-orders-75-siemens-chargers-for-long-distance-trains/ |access-date=2022-02-27 |website=Railway Age}}

The locomotive shares much of its overall design with the Siemens Vectron diesel and electric locomotives used in Europe and the Siemens ACS-64 electric locomotive built for Amtrak.

Four Insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) power inverters carry electric current to each of the four AC traction motors. A static inverter off of the main prime mover supplies head-end power (HEP). The locomotive also features dynamic braking with regenerative capability, allowing the locomotive to divert power generated by dynamic braking away from the resistor grids to HEP and onboard locomotive auxiliary power demands.

In response to a 2013 Request for Information from Metro-North Railroad, Siemens said they would be capable of producing a dual-mode variant of the Charger with onboard energy storage for use by Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road, as well as intercity service on Amtrak's Empire Corridor.{{Cite web|url=http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/Dual_Mode_DC_3rd_Rail-Appendix_A_4-110_MPH_-_for_TSCapproval.docx|title=A.4 Technical Explanation for 110 MPH Sustained Speed|website=A.4 Technical Explanation for 110 MPH Sustained Speed|publisher=Federal Railroad Administration|access-date=September 16, 2016|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807091333/http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/Dual_Mode_DC_3rd_Rail-Appendix_A_4-110_MPH_-_for_TSCapproval.docx|url-status=dead}} This would become the SC-42DM.

California's SC-44s have aerodynamic "spoilers" on the rear of their roofs that match the height of bi-level California and Surfliner cars.

The Charger series competes with other Tier 4 compliant locomotives, such as the EMD F125 and the MPI MPXpress MP54AC. However, unlike the Charger series, both the F125 and MP54AC have struggled to find customers, selling fewer than 50 units each.

File:Amtrak Missouri River Runner in KCMO 6-30-18 (cropped).jpg train in June 2018]]

The first production SC-44 unit was unveiled on March 26, 2016.{{cite news |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/siemens-shows-first-complete-charger-locomotive.html |title=Siemens unveils first complete Charger locomotive |newspaper=Railway Gazette International |date=March 30, 2016 |access-date=March 30, 2016 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108095051/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/siemens-shows-first-complete-charger-locomotive.html |url-status=dead }} The first two Charger locomotives to leave Siemens' factory in Florin, California were transported to the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, Colorado in June 2016 and underwent testing of performance metrics such as acceleration and braking.{{cite news |url=http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/mechanical/locomotives/first-siemens-charger-locomotives-head-to-ttci.html |title=First Siemens Charger locomotives head to TTCI |publisher=Railway Age |date=June 22, 2016 |access-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-date=November 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101132519/http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/mechanical/locomotives/first-siemens-charger-locomotives-head-to-ttci.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/charger-diesel-on-test-at-pueblo.html |title=Charger diesel on test at Pueblo |publisher=Railway Gazette International |date=August 11, 2016 |access-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409204738/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/charger-diesel-on-test-at-pueblo.html |url-status=dead }} The first Brightline SCB-40 locomotives were delivered in December 2016 to undergo testing in Florida.{{cite web |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/first-brightline-trainset-completed.html |title=First Brightline trainset delivered |publisher=Railway Gazette International |date=December 14, 2016 |access-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409204712/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/first-brightline-trainset-completed.html |url-status=dead }}

In February 2017, Amtrak and the Washington State Department of Transportation began testing one of the Midwest-bound SC-44 locomotives along the Cascades corridor in the Pacific Northwest for federal certification.{{cite news |url=http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/intercity/new-amtrak-charger-locomotives-testing-on-cascades-route.html |title=New Amtrak Charger locomotives testing on Cascades route |newspaper=Railway Age |date=February 15, 2017 |first=Stuart |last=Chirls |access-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-date=March 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310052959/http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/intercity/new-amtrak-charger-locomotives-testing-on-cascades-route.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2017/02/20-amtrak-cascades-route-begins-testing-siemens-charger-locomotive |title=Amtrak Cascades route begins testing Siemens 'Charger' locomotive |newspaper=Trains |first=Chase |last=Gunnoe |date=February 20, 2017 |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409204713/https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2017/02/20-amtrak-cascades-route-begins-testing-siemens-charger-locomotive |url-status=dead }} Additional test runs were conducted on the Midwest and Northern California routes in April and May.{{cite press release |url=https://www2.illinois.gov/pages/news-item.aspx?ReleaseID=14142 |title=New Siemens Charger Locomotives Begin Testing |date=April 19, 2017 |publisher=Illinois Department of Transportation}} Testing at up to {{convert|135|mph}} was conducted at TTC and on the Northeast Corridor in September 2016 which resulted in federal certification for {{convert|125|mph|adj=on}} operations.

Revenue testing on the Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins routes in Northern California began on May 25, 2017.{{cite web |url=https://www.capitolcorridor.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/AGENDA17jun-FINAL.pdf |publisher=Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority |date=June 21, 2017 |title=Meeting of the Board of Directors}} During these tests, the trains operated with a second locomotive in case of failure.{{cite web |url=http://www.stancog.org/pdf/committees/sjjpa/2017/sjjpa-agenda-07282017.pdf |page=12 |publisher=San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority |date=July 28, 2017 |title=San Joaquins Operations Update |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807060347/http://www.stancog.org/pdf/committees/sjjpa/2017/sjjpa-agenda-07282017.pdf |url-status=dead }} The Northern California units were formally accepted and approved for solo service on October 23, 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.capitolcorridor.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AGENDA17.nov-FINAL-002.pdf|title=Meeting of the Board of Directors|date=November 15, 2017|publisher=Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority|page=27}} The SC-44 entered revenue testing on the Midwest routes in July 2017, with solo revenue service beginning on a Hiawatha train on August 24, 2017.{{cite web |title=Multi State Diesel Electric Locomotive Procurement: The Siemens Charger |author=Next Generation Equipment Committee |publisher=American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials |date=February 23, 2018 |url=http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Pages/2018-meeting.aspx |work=NGEC Annual Meeting, February 23rd, 2018 |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125124054/http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Pages/2018-meeting.aspx |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2017/08/24-charger-solo-on-hiawatha |title=Siemens Charger solos for first time out of Chicago |newspaper=Trains |date=August 24, 2017 |access-date=August 27, 2017 |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922183004/https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2017/08/24-charger-solo-on-hiawatha |url-status=dead }} Revenue service on the Cascades route began in November 2017.{{cite web |url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Rail/newlocomotives/default.htm |title=Rail – Amtrak Cascades New Locomotives – Completed June 2017 |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126133059/https://wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Rail/newlocomotives/default.htm |url-status=dead }}

Brightline began revenue operations with its SCB-40 locomotives on January 13, 2018.{{cite news |url=https://www.railwayage.com/mw/brightline-slates-fares-and-service-date/ |title=Brightline slates fares and service date |newspaper=Railway Age |date=January 11, 2018 |first=Stuart |last=Chirls}} The first Chargers for MARC began testing that month, and revenue service began on April 5, 2018.{{cite news |url=http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2018/01/15-charger-testing-on-marc-maryland |title=Maryland's MARC testing Chargers on passenger routes |date=January 15, 2018 |first=R G |last=Edmonson |newspaper=Trains |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204103933/http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2018/01/15-charger-testing-on-marc-maryland |url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=https://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/MARCRAC_Minutes_20178-04-19.pdf | title=MARC Riders Advisory Council Meeting minutes | publisher=MARC Riders Advisory Council | date=April 19, 2018 | access-date=December 22, 2018}} Pre-revenue testing began on the Pacific Surfliner in October 2018; revenue service began later that year.{{cite press release |url=https://blog.pacificsurfliner.com/2018/10/05/new-cleaner-locomotives-coming-soon-to-the-amtrak-pacific-surfliner-service/ |title=New, Cleaner Locomotives Coming Soon to the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Service |publisher=Amtrak |date=October 5, 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/Charger%20Locomotive%20Deployment%20-%20The%20California%20Experience.pdf |title=Charger Locomotive Deployment: 'The California Experience' |publisher=American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials |date=February 22, 2019 |work=Next Generation Equipment Committee – 2019 Annual Meeting |access-date=March 15, 2019 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807071359/http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/Charger%20Locomotive%20Deployment%20-%20The%20California%20Experience.pdf |url-status=dead }}

The first ALC-42 for Amtrak's long distance trains was put into service on the westbound Empire Builder on February 8, 2022, after extensive testing in the Midwest and on the Empire Builder route. Of the two units on the inaugural service, one was Amtrak's "Day One" heritage unit #301.{{Cite web|last=Johnston|first=Bob|date=February 8, 2022|title=Amtrak to order 50 more long-distance Siemens Chargers|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/amtrak-to-order-50-more-long-distance-siemens-chargers/|access-date=2022-02-09|website=Trains}}

California regional commuter line Altamont Corridor Express ordered four SC-44 locomotives in April 2018, with deliveries beginning in December 2019.{{cite web | url=http://trn.trains.com/locomotives/news-wire/2018/04/26-altamont-corridor-express-orders-charger-locomotives | title=Altamont Corridor Express orders Charger locomotives | publisher=Trains Magazine | date=April 26, 2018 | access-date=April 27, 2018 | archive-date=October 21, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021081620/https://trn.trains.com/locomotives/news-wire/2018/04/26-altamont-corridor-express-orders-charger-locomotives | url-status=dead }} They entered revenue service in 2020.{{cite web |url=https://acerail.com/wp-content/uploads/SJRRC-FY2021-Work-Program-and-Budget.pdf |title=2020/2021 Work Program and Budget |date=July 2020 |page=6 |access-date=March 15, 2021 |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117061924/https://acerail.com/wp-content/uploads/SJRRC-FY2021-Work-Program-and-Budget.pdf |url-status=dead }}

File:Coast Starlight refueling at Portland, June 2023.jpg]]

On December 21, 2018, Amtrak ordered 75 ALC-42 locomotives with options for an additional 100. The first locomotive entered service in February 2022, with the last expected by 2024.{{cite press release |url=https://media.amtrak.com/2018/12/amtrak-to-improve-national-network-with-new-locomotives/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520103552/https://media.amtrak.com/2018/12/amtrak-to-improve-national-network-with-new-locomotives/| archive-date=20 May 2022|title=Amtrak to Improve National Network with New Locomotives |date=December 21, 2018 |publisher=Amtrak}}

Compared with the SC-44, changes were made to the ALC-42 to make it more suitable for long-distance service: additional positive train control systems for nationwide service, a larger {{convert|2200|USgal|L|abbr=out|sp=us|adj=on}} diesel fuel tank (instead of {{convert|1800|USgal|L|abbr=on|sp=us|disp=sqbr}}), a larger diesel exhaust fluid tank, a larger sandbox, a more powerful 1,000-kilowatt head-end power generator (instead of 600 kW), an extended nose section for easier repair in the event of minor front-end collision, and a prime mover de-rated to {{convert|4200|hp}} to lengthen maintenance intervals.{{cite book |author=Federal Railroad Administration |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/10/2020-00231/petition-for-waiver-of-compliance |title=Petition for Waiver of Compliance |date=January 10, 2020}} {{Federal Register|85|1371}}{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Bob |date=February 8, 2022 |title=Amtrak to order 50 more long-distance Siemens Chargers |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/amtrak-to-order-50-more-long-distance-siemens-chargers/ |access-date=2022-04-02 |website=Trains |language=en-US}}

Assembly of the first ALC-42 began in March 2020.{{cite web |url=http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/Annual%20Meetings/2020/Amtrak%20Procurement%20presentation%20NGEC%20%281%29.pdf |title=Amtrak Procurement – NGEC Annual Meeting |date=February 21, 2020 |first=Charles |last=King |publisher=Next Generation Equipment Committee}} On August 5, 2020, Amtrak announced that one of the first six locomotives will be painted in a replica of the "Day 1" livery to commemorate 50 years of Amtrak service, while the other five will feature a preliminary "Phase VI" paint scheme.{{cite press release |url=https://media.amtrak.com/2020/08/amtrak-prepares-for-new-diesel-locomotive-fleet |title=AMTRAK PREPARES FOR NEW DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE FLEET |date=August 5, 2020 |author=National Railroad Passenger Corporation}} The remainder of the fleet will introduce a new "Phase VII" livery. By February 2021, 12 units had begun production, with the first locomotive, AMTK 300, delivered to Amtrak on June 17.{{cite web |url=http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/Annual%20Meetings/2021/8.%20Amtrak%20Fleet%20procurements%20-NGEC%202021%20Annual%20Meeting-%20George%20Hull.pdf |title=Amtrak Passenger Service Rolling Stock Equipment Acquisition Update |date=February 23, 2021 |first=George |last=Hull |publisher=Next Generation Equipment Committee |access-date=April 5, 2021 |archive-date=October 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015010518/https://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/Annual%20Meetings/2021/8.%20Amtrak%20Fleet%20procurements%20-NGEC%202021%20Annual%20Meeting-%20George%20Hull.pdf |url-status=dead }} The first ALC-42 locomotives entered revenue service on the Empire Builder on February 8, 2022. On the same day, Amtrak announced that they had ordered an additional 50 ALC-42s, bringing the total number of locomotives ordered to 125.{{cite news |url=https://railfan.com/amtraks-new-alc-42s-to-enter-service-today/ |title=Amtrak's New ALC-42s to Enter Service Today |newspaper=Railfan and Railroad Magazine |date=February 8, 2022 |first=Justin |last=Franz}}

Amtrak plans to purchase at least 75 intercity trainsets with dual-mode ALC-42E locomotives from Siemens. The trainsets will be used primarily on routes that operate over both electrified and non-electrified track, which currently require costly and lengthy locomotive swaps when transitioning between electrified and non-electrified territory.{{Cite web |title=Amtrak FY 2022–2027 Asset Line Plan |url=https://www.amtrak.com/content/dam/projects/dotcom/english/public/documents/corporate/businessplanning/Amtrak-Service-Asset-Line-Plans-FY22-27.pdf |website=Amtrak |pages=125–7, 132}}{{cite web |last=Ruppert |first=Daniel P. |date=February 25, 2022 |title=Update on Acquisitions And Capital Programs |url=http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/9.b.%20NGEC%20Annual%20Mtg%2002252022%20%20Ruppert.pdf |publisher=PRIIA Section 305 Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee (NGEC) |pages=7, 8 |access-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-date=March 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307215511/http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/9.b.%20NGEC%20Annual%20Mtg%2002252022%20%20Ruppert.pdf |url-status=dead }}

In diesel mode, the ALC-42E will work like a typical diesel–electric locomotive, using its diesel engine to generate electricity for its motors. Each ALC-42E will be paired with a special trailer car that will have equipment to support electric mode on the end closest to the locomotive, and a passenger seating area on the other. There are two types of trailer cars:

• An Auxiliary Power Vehicle (APV) will be used on trains that use track with overhead lines. Equipped with a pantograph and transformers, the APV will supply electricity to the ALC-42E as well as additional motors on its own powered truck. The ALC-42E/APV pairing will replace Amtrak's existing Siemens ACS-64 electric locomotives on trains that use the Northeast Corridor for part of their route.
• A battery car will be used on trains that access New York Penn Station via the Empire Connection, which has a third rail instead of overhead lines. The battery car will supply electricity to the ALC-42E in areas where diesel engine use is prohibited. The ALC-42E/battery car pairing will replace Amtrak's existing GE Genesis P32AC-DM dual mode locomotives, which draw electricity from the third rail in electric mode.

By February 2024, two of the ALC-42E locomotives were under construction.{{cite web |url=https://ngec.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1115B-1140D-NGEC-2024-Amtrak-Acquisition-Final-012624.pdf |title=Amtrak New Fleet Acquisition Updates |publisher=Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee |date=February 2024 |first1=Joe Sr. |last1=Paul |first2=Michael |last2=Welsh |first3=Michael |last3=Kraft |page=2}}

File:Amtrak Cascades 1401 - Siemens Charger engine at King Street Station, Seattle, WA - 01.jpg]]

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in conjunction with its counterparts in California, Michigan, Missouri and Washington, purchased 32 SC-44 locomotives for state-supported corridor services, operated by Amtrak under contract.

The $225 million order placed in March 2014 included options for an additional 75 corridor-configured locomotives{{cite press release | url=http://www.siemens.com/press/pool/de/pressemitteilungen/2014/infrastructure-cities/rail-systems/ICRL201403009e.pdf | title=Siemens wins an additional locomotive contract in the USA | publisher=Siemens Mobility | date=March 18, 2014 | access-date=January 3, 2016 | location=Berlin, Germany}}{{cite web | url=http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/loco-spec-reva-2012jul10.pdf | title=Specification for Diesel-Electric Passenger Locomotives | publisher=Amtrak | date=July 10, 2012 | access-date=January 3, 2016 | archive-date=August 7, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807091108/http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/loco-spec-reva-2012jul10.pdf | url-status=dead }} In 2015, IDOT ordered 12 additional units for use on the upgraded Lincoln Service corridor.{{cite press release |url=https://www.siemens.com/press/pool/de/pressemitteilungen/2015/mobility/PR2015110070MOEN.pdf |title=Siemens to deliver 34 locomotives to three states in the U.S. |date=November 6, 2015 |publisher=Siemens Mobility}} California ordered 16 additional units in November 2015 for use on the Pacific Surfliner beginning in 2018, plus two more units in 2016 for the Northern California services.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.dot.ca.gov/milemarker/docs/articles/2016/Q4/MM-2016-Q4-Passenger-Rail.pdf |magazine=The Mile Marker |date=December 2016 |publisher=Caltrans |title=Cleaner Locomotive Fleet Powers Up: 22 New Units Ordered for State-Supported Amtrak Corridors |pages=31–32}} Washington state ordered an additional unit to replace locomotive 1402, which was lost in the 2017 Washington train derailment and two more in connection with its purchase of new Siemens trainsets.{{Cite news |last=Fesler |first=Stephen |date=December 16, 2022 |title=Amtrak Cascades Unveils Future 'Airo' Trainsets Launching in 2026 |language=en-US |work=The Urbanist |url=https://www.theurbanist.org/2022/12/16/amtrak-cascades-unveils-future-airo-trainsets-launching-in-2026/ |access-date=December 23, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Worrell |first=Carolina |date=December 19, 2022 |title=First Look: Amtrak Airo |language=en-US |work=Railway Age |url=https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/intercity/first-look-amtrak-airo/ |access-date=December 21, 2022}}

A total of 68 locomotives (32 base and 36 options) were ordered for Amtrak state corridors in this contract: 24 for California, 11 for Washington state, and 33 for the Midwest states.{{cite web |url=http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/NGEC%20305_Presentation_Multi%20State_22417%282%29.pdf |title=Multi State Diesel Electric Locomotive Procurement: The Siemens Charger |page=2 |publisher=American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials |author=Next Generation Equipment Committee |date=February 2017 |access-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807035016/http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/NGEC%20305_Presentation_Multi%20State_22417%282%29.pdf |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/siemens-rolls-out-first-cascades-charger-locomotive.html |title=Siemens rolls out first Cascades Charger locomotive |date=March 8, 2017 |newspaper=Railway Gazette International |access-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807043324/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/siemens-rolls-out-first-cascades-charger-locomotive.html |url-status=dead }} Another eight options were exercised by MARC, bringing total contract orders to 76.{{cite web | url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/north-america/marc-to-replace-electric-locomotives-with-diesels.html | title=Marc to replace electric locomotives with diesels | publisher=International Rail Journal | date=August 13, 2015 | access-date=December 4, 2017}}

File:BrightLine train test.jpg]]

In September 2014, Brightline purchased ten SCB-40 locomotives with options for an additional eleven.{{cite news |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/more-siemens-charger-diesel-locomotives-ordered.html |title=More Siemens Charger diesel locomotives ordered |work=Railway Gazette International |date=November 9, 2015 |access-date=January 3, 2016 |archive-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409204713/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/more-siemens-charger-diesel-locomotives-ordered.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite press release | url=http://inr.synapticdigital.com/siemens/AAF/ | title=All Aboard Florida Selects Siemens as Train Manufacturer | publisher=Siemens Mobility | date=September 11, 2014 | access-date=September 23, 2014 | location=Sacramento, California | archive-date=March 16, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316224905/http://inr.synapticdigital.com/siemens/AAF/ | url-status=dead }} The locomotives are used in pairs, bookending four passenger cars (expandable to seven) on Brightline's Miami–West Palm Beach service. The SCB-40s have a streamlined front end that conceals the front coupler behind a removable nose cone and produce a maximum of {{cvt|4000|hp|kW}} instead of the {{cvt|4400|hp|kW}} on the SC-44.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2016/06/10/brightline-florida-passenger-train-rail-cars/85651126/ |title=First look: Rail cars for new Florida passenger train |newspaper=USA Today |date=June 10, 2016}} Brightline later ordered five additional trainsets and one extra locomotive (eleven locomotives total) for use on the extension to Orlando, with delivery between September 2021 and 2023.{{Cite news |last=Johnston |first=Bob |date=January 8, 2021 |title=New Brightline details included in $950 million bond sale |url=https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2021/01/08-new-brightline-details-included-in-$950-million-bond-sale |newspaper=Trains Magazine |access-date=February 1, 2021 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125214752/https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2021/01/08-new-brightline-details-included-in-$950-million-bond-sale |url-status=dead }} These locomotives have been able to reach speeds of up to 130 mph.{{Cite web |title=BRIGHTLINE MAKES HISTORY AS FASTEST TRAIN IN FLORIDA |url=https://www.gobrightline.com/press-room/brightline-130-mph-milestone |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=www.gobrightline.com |language=en}} As of February 19, 2023, all trainsets and the spare locomotive have been delivered to Brightline.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-22 |title=Brightline's 'Bright Orange 2' Rolls Into Orlando |url=https://www.rtands.com/passenger/intercity/brightlines-bright-orange-2-rolls-into-orlando/ |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Railway Track and Structures |language=en-US}}

File:SC-44 At Oceanside-NCTD.jpg]]

In June 2018, the North County Transit District Board of Directors approved the purchase of five SC-44s for its San Diego-area Coaster commuter rail service, replacing five older F40PH locomotives.{{cite web|date=July 9, 2018|title=NCTD Board Approves Purchase of New Locomotives to Serve San Diego County|url=http://news.gonctd.com/2018/07/09/nctd-board-approves-purchase-of-new-locomotives-to-serve-san-diego-county/|access-date=July 16, 2018|publisher=North County Transit District|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430231328/http://news.gonctd.com/2018/07/09/nctd-board-approves-purchase-of-new-locomotives-to-serve-san-diego-county/|url-status=dead}} Deliveries began in August 2020 and are expected to conclude in the spring of 2021.{{cite news|date=June 18, 2019|title=NCTD board approves Siemens locomotive order|newspaper=Progressive Railroading|url=https://www.progressiverailroading.com/mechanical/news/NCTD-board-approves-Siemens-locomotive-order--57843}} Two additional units were approved in June 2019, and another two in September. These additional locomotives replaced two F59PHI locomotives and will allow for increased service levels.{{cite web|date=October 16, 2019|title=COASTER Improvements Fact Sheet|url=https://gonctd.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/COASTER-Improvements-Fact-Sheet.pdf|publisher=North County Transit District}} The first five locomotives entered revenue service on February 8, 2021.{{cite press release|url=https://gonctd.com/nctd-celebrates-service-roll-out-for-new-coaster-locomotive-and-overhauled-passenger-cars/|title=NCTD Celebrates Service Roll Out for New COASTER Locomotive and Overhauled Passenger Cars|publisher=North County Transit District|date=February 8, 2021}} Two more units were approved in 2020, and the last four entered service in 2023.

In January 2022, Montreal's Exo ordered ten Siemens Chargers to update the fleet. They are planned to replace the aging F59PH locomotives.{{cite news |last1=Evanko |first1=Kara |title=Siemens Mobility to Modernize Montreal's Exo Train Fleet With Sustainable Locomotives |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220128005306/en/Siemens-Mobility-to-Modernize-Montreal%E2%80%99s-Exo-Train-Fleet-With-Sustainable-Locomotives |access-date=30 January 2022}}

MARC announced in August 2015 that it was seeking $58 million to purchase eight locomotives to replace their aging electric-powered AEM-7 units, with deliveries planned for late 2017.{{cite news | url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-marc-locomotives-20150807-story.html | title=MTA seeks $58 million for new MARC engines | work=Baltimore Sun | date=August 8, 2015 | access-date=January 3, 2016 | author=Dresser, Michael | archive-date=April 21, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421214703/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-marc-locomotives-20150807-story.html | url-status=dead }} The purchase was approved by the Maryland Board of Public Works on September 16, 2015.{{cite press release | url=http://mta.maryland.gov/board-public-works-approves-58-million-contract-eight-marc-locomotives | title=Board Of Public Works Approves $58 Million Contract For Eight MARC Locomotives | publisher=Maryland Transit Administration | date=September 17, 2015 | access-date=January 3, 2016 | location=Baltimore, Maryland}} The MARC order uses part of the Amtrak state-corridor options. The first MARC Charger was shipped from the Siemens factory in early December 2017, and began testing in mid-January 2018.{{cite web | url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/locomotives/siemens-ships-first-acs-64-locomotive-for-septa.html | title=Siemens ships new locomotives for Septa and Marc | publisher=International Rail Journal | date=December 7, 2017 | access-date=January 28, 2018}}

File:File Metro-north-railroad-301--siemens-sc42-dm-locomotive-at-harmon-shops-2024-10-31-02 mta-cc-by-2-0.jpgIn December 2020, New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) approved a Federal Transit Administration-funded contract for 19 dual-mode locomotives based on the Charger design. The locomotives will replace the 31 existing GE Genesis locomotives used on the Metro-North Railroad's Hudson Line, Harlem Line, and Danbury Branch; they will use third rail electric power whenever available, instead of only in Manhattan. The contract had options for 144 additional locomotives: 40 for Metro-North, 66 for the Long Island Rail Road, 20 for the New York State Department of Transportation (for Amtrak Empire Service trains), and 25 for the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).{{Cite web |url=https://new.mta.info/document/25251 |pages=128–132 |title=Joint Metro-North and Long Island Committees Meeting |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |date=December 2020}}{{Cite news |date=December 14, 2020 |title=Metro-North set to buy dual-mode locomotives from Siemens |url=https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2020/12/14-digest-metro-north-set-to-buy-dual-mode-locomotives-from-siemens |newspaper=Trains Magazine |access-date=February 1, 2021 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131115818/https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2020/12/14-digest-metro-north-set-to-buy-dual-mode-locomotives-from-siemens |url-status=dead }}

Immediately after awarding the contract, Metro-North ordered an additional eight locomotives from its options, and CTDOT ordered six from its options,{{Cite magazine |date=December 2023 |title=Connecticut to buy six dual-mode locomotives from Siemens |magazine=Trains |page=9 |volume=83 |issue=12}} bringing the total order to 33. The additional units will allow for the complete replacement of the P32AC-DM locomotives in the Metro-North equipment pool and allow for service increases on the Danbury and Waterbury branches. Delivery of the 33 locomotives is expected to be completed in 2027.{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2023 |title=Metro-North Railroad Procurements |url=https://mta.info/document/113916 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=mta.info |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority}} The first two units were delivered in October 2024 and are expected to enter service in early 2025.{{Cite press release |title=MTA Unveils New Modern Metro-North Locomotives |url=https://new.mta.info/press-release/mta-unveils-new-modern-metro-north-locomotives |date=November 1, 2024 |publisher=Metro-North Railroad}}

As a part of the Long Island Rail Road's Capital Program, the railroad is exercising Option 3 of the previously awarded contract to order up to 44 new dual-mode locomotives, which would likely replace the older EMD DE30AC and DM30AC locomotives.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-17 |title=MTA considers $788 million deal for new locomotives |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/mta-dual-mode-locomotives-gunit2p0 |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=Newsday |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=MTA Set for Record-Breaking Progress in 2025 after Board Approves Transformational Capital Projects |url=https://new.mta.info/press-release/mta-set-record-breaking-progress-2025-after-board-approves-transformational-capital |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=MTA |language=en}}

After the orders, as of January 2025, the contract still has options for 32 locomotives for Metro-North, 22 for LIRR, 26 for NYSDOT and 19 for CTDOT.

On January 24, 2025, Metro-North solicited a sole source procurement for up to 16 Siemens Charger locomotives from Siemens to operate service on Penn Station Access. The order would be done as an option order to an existing order.{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2025 |title=Metro-North Railroad current procurement opportunities |url=https://mta.info/doing-business-with-us/procurement/metro-north |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127175645/https://mta.info/doing-business-with-us/procurement/metro-north |archive-date=January 27, 2025 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=mta.info |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |language=}} In February 2025, the MTA Board will vote on Option 4 for 13 dual-mode Charger locomotives, with an option for two additional locomotives for $304.9 million. These locomotives will be powered using both AC Pantographs to operate under catenary and battery power, which is a modification to Siemens' existing design for Tier 4 diesel-electric dual mode locomotives.{{Cite web |date=February 21, 2025 |title=Metro-North Railroad Procurements |url=https://www.mta.info/document/164881 |access-date=February 23, 2025 |website=mta.info |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}

In December 2022, the Government of Ontario and Ontario Northland announced a {{CA$|139.5 million|link=yes}} investment to reinstate the Northlander passenger service between Timmins and Toronto. The government news release mentioned that the three new trainsets (each with three Siemens Venture passenger cars) will be built by Siemens Mobility and paired with Charger locomotives that will meet the latest EPA Tier 4 diesel emission standards.{{Cite press release |date=December 15, 2022 |title= Ontario Taking Next Steps to Bring Back Northeastern Passenger Rail |url=https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1002600/ontario-taking-next-steps-to-bring-back-northeastern-passenger-rail |access-date= December 20, 2022 |website=Government of Ontario }}{{Cite news |last=MacMillan |first=Sarah |date=December 15, 2022 |title=Province buying 3 trains for return of Northlander service |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/sudbury-ontario-northland-new-trains-1.6687042 |access-date=December 20, 2022}}

In February 2024, five locomotives were purchased for use on the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter rail service operating in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Delivery of the first locomotives is expected around summer 2026. The five locomotives are intended to replace the oldest units in the existing TRE fleet. TRE has the option to purchase up to six additional locomotives under the contract.{{Cite web |last=Farr |first=Colby |date=2024-02-12 |title=Regional Transportation Council awards $30M for new Trinity Railway Express trains |url=https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/richardson/transportation/2024/02/12/regional-transportation-council-awards-30m-for-new-trinity-railway-express-trains/ |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=Community Impact |language=English}}{{Cite web |date=February 6, 2024 |title=Approval of a Contract for Five Locomotives for the Trinity Railway Express Fleet |url=https://trinityrailwayexpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/02062024-Locomotive-Purchase-Presentation-Final.pdf |website=Trinity Railway Express}}

File:SCV-42-2202 pushing Train 33 through Michael St. in Ottawa (2).jpg in Ottawa]]

In December 2018, Via Rail ordered 32 bi-directional trainsets each powered by one SC-44 locomotive for use on the Québec City–Windsor Corridor.{{cite press release |url=https://www.siemens.com/ca/en/home/company/press/via.html |title=Siemens Canada secures major order with VIA Rail Canada for new fleet of passenger trains |publisher=Siemens Mobility |date=December 12, 2018}} As with several other orders, the trainsets will use Siemens Venture passenger cars.

The first of VIA Rail's trainsets were delivered on September 29, 2021, to VIA Rail in Montreal, crossing into Canada via Sarnia, Ontario.{{Cite tweet |number=1443359222134198276 |user=VIA_Rail |title=Our new train has arrived and we couldn't be happier! // Notre nouveau train est arrivé et nous ne pourrions être plus heureux! |author=Via Rail |date=September 29, 2021 |access-date=September 30, 2021}} When the locomotives' final paint scheme was unveiled by VIA Rail in May 2021, the locomotive was designated as an SC-44,{{Cite press release |title=New Fleet Exterior Design Reveal |url=https://corpo.viarail.ca/en/news/2021/new-fleet |access-date=September 30, 2021 |website=VIA Rail}} but when delivered the locomotives' designation had been changed to SCV-42. The trainsets entered service in 2022.

• EMD F125 – competing Tier 4 passenger locomotive
• MPI MPXpress MP54AC – competing Tier 4 passenger locomotive

{{clear}}

{{reflist|30em}}

• {{cite web |url=http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/NGEC%20305_Presentation_Multi%20State_12015.pdf |title=Multi State Diesel Electric Locomotive Procurement: The Siemens Charger |author=Next Generation Equipment Committee |date=December 2015 |website=American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials |access-date=February 28, 2016 |archive-date=January 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110031112/http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/NGEC%20305_Presentation_Multi%20State_12015.pdf |url-status=dead }}
• {{cite web |url=http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/NGEC%20305_Presentation_Multi%20State_21616-update.pdf |title=Multi State Diesel Electric Locomotive Procurement: The Siemens Charger |author=Next Generation Equipment Committee |date=February 16, 2016 |website=American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials |access-date=February 27, 2016 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126123810/http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/NGEC%20305_Presentation_Multi%20State_21616-update.pdf |url-status=dead }}
• {{cite web |url=https://assets.new.siemens.com/siemens/assets/api/uuid:51c61c22-747e-4c4a-aab9-42c312ed95f7/charger-locomotive-literature.pdf |title=Siemens Charger Product Brochure |date=2020 |publisher=Siemens Mobility Inc.}}

{{Commons category|Siemens Charger locomotives}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipu4cTNdqLo Raw Footage of Siemens Charger SC-44 4601 Cummins QSK95 Testing] (YouTube)

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{{High-speed rail}}

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Category:Siemens locomotives

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Category:Amtrak locomotives

Category:Diesel–electric locomotives of the United States

Category:Railway locomotives introduced in 2016

Category:EPA Tier 4-compliant locomotives of the United States

Category:Standard-gauge locomotives of the United States

Category:Standard-gauge locomotives of Canada

Category:Diesel–electric locomotives of Canada

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