In December 2025, the certification trials for the new Russian hybrid DC shunting electric locomotive EMKA2 were effectively completed. The certification pertained to a version of the locomotive built wholly without foreign components, representing an important achievement for Russia’s rail engineering sector.
The issuance of certification verifies the locomotive’s adherence to all relevant technical and safety standards and paves the way for its complete operational deployment. The EMKA2 project signifies an important milestone in achieving technological sovereignty, promoting environmentally sustainable rail transportation, and modernizing shunting operations historically reliant on diesel traction.
From Concept Development to Certification
The EMKA2 is a hybrid shunting electric locomotive engineered for DC operation, crafted to fulfill modern requirements for efficiency, environmental sustainability, and operational versatility. The locomotive was manufactured at the Novocherkassk Electric Locomotive Plant (NEVZ), a subsidiary of Transmashholding (TMH), Russia’s leading producer of railway rolling stock.
The concept of a contact-battery shunting locomotive was introduced in the late 2010s as a collaborative effort involving TMH, Russian Railways, and advanced technology partners. The objective was to develop a locomotive capable of functioning both from a standard overhead contact line and independently through onboard energy storage, eliminating the necessity for diesel engines.
Initial prototypes of the EMKA2 were assembled and tested previously, but the December 2025 trials were especially noteworthy, as they used a version built entirely from domestically manufactured components. This accomplishment highlights Russia’s increasing capacity to independently design and implement sophisticated railway infrastructure, even in the face of limited access to foreign technologies.
Certification Trials and Their Outcomes
The certification procedure entailed EMKA No. 003, a locomotive assembled at NEVZ exclusively with domestically sourced components. During the testing phase, the locomotive was evaluated for conformity with the Technical Regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union concerning the safety standards of railway rolling stock.
The testing program evaluated a comprehensive array of parameters, including mechanical strength, electrical safety, braking performance, traction characteristics, energy efficiency, and operational reliability. Special emphasis was placed on the efficacy of the hybrid traction system, including smooth transitions between overhead line power and battery operation.
The successful completion of these trials signifies that the EMKA2 is now authorized for deployment on Russian railways and within other EAEU member states, allowing for its commencement of mass production without regulatory restrictions.
Principal Technical Attributes of the EMKA2
Hybrid Propulsion System Architecture
The distinguishing characteristic of the EMKA2 is its hybrid traction system. The locomotive is capable of operating either from a DC overhead contact system or from an onboard battery-based energy storage system. This dual-mode functionality integrates the efficacy of electric traction with the adaptability of autonomous operation.
The onboard energy storage system and traction equipment enable the locomotive to transport a train weighing up to two thousand metric tons over a distance of up to fourteen kilometers without reliance on the contact network. When functioning independently without carriages, the locomotive is capable of traveling autonomously on battery power for distances of up to one hundred kilometers.
This capability is especially advantageous for shunting operations in regions with limited or infrequent electrification.
Environmental Performance and Noise Mitigation
One of the main advantages of the EMKA2 compared to conventional diesel shunting locomotives is its nearly negligible local emissions during operation. When operating on battery power or from the overhead line, the locomotive doesn’t generate any exhaust emissions, rendering it particularly appropriate for enclosed or semi-enclosed settings.
This attribute substantially enhances air quality within passenger stations, depots, tunnels, and industrial facilities. Noise levels are also significantly lower than those of diesel locomotives, enhancing working conditions for railway personnel and minimizing the influence on adjacent urban environments.
According to the developer, substituting diesel shunting locomotives with EMKA2 units can decrease current operating costs by forty to sixty percent, while fuel and lubricant consumption may be reduced by as much as seventy to eighty percent. Energy recovery during deceleration enhances overall efficiency.
Independent Infrastructure
A significant operational benefit of the EMKA2 is its independence from specialized charging infrastructure. The integrated battery system may be charged directly from the overhead contact network during standard operation or while stationary beneath energized lines.
This removes the necessity for substantial investments in standalone charging stations and renders the locomotive particularly appealing to rail operators aiming to modernize their fleets without extensive infrastructure enhancements.
Application Domains
Shunting Procedures at Railway Terminals
The principal function of the EMKA2 is to perform shunting operations at important railway terminals. These comprise passenger terminals, classification yards, maintenance depots, and various other facilities that necessitate frequent low-speed operations and where diesel emissions are progressively less acceptable.
The capacity for autonomous operation over limited distances enables the EMKA2 to transfer trains across non-electrified segments without disrupting operations or the need for supplementary locomotives. This adaptability enhances operational efficiency and streamlines logistics within intricate rail hubs.
Industrial and Logistics Complexes
Beyond traditional railway infrastructure, the EMKA2 is ideally adapted for deployment at industrial sites, ports, logistics centers, and extensive manufacturing complexes. Many of these facilities possess only partial or no electrification, rendering hybrid locomotives especially beneficial.
The locomotive’s autonomous functionality enables it to operate dependably in these environments while ensuring minimal disturbance and zero local emissions, in accordance with contemporary industrial environmental standards.
Strategic Significance for the Rail Sector
Enhancing National Engineering Capabilities
The certification of the entirely localized EMKA2 represents an important step for Russian transportation engineering. It showcases the capacity of domestic manufacturers to design and manufacture sophisticated hybrid locomotives independently, without dependence on foreign suppliers.
This achievement advances the growth of associated industries, such as battery technologies, traction motors, power electronics, and digital control systems. Over the long term, it enhances the resilience and competitiveness of the national railway manufacturing industry.
Economic and Environmental Consequences
From an economic perspective, the EMKA2 provides rail operators with measurable cost savings through decreased gasoline consumption, reduced maintenance demands, and prolonged service intervals. The lack of diesel engines diminishes attrition on mechanical components and facilitates straightforward routine maintenance.
Environmentally, the locomotive plays a crucial role in substantially reducing carbon dioxide emissions and other contaminants, thereby advancing the wider objectives of sustainable transportation development. Reduced noise levels further improve its appropriateness for urban and high-traffic environments.
Potential for Mass Production
Following certification, efforts are in progress to scale up the serial production of the EMKA2 at the Novocherkassk Electric Locomotive Plant. As production increases, the locomotive is anticipated to be used across a broad spectrum of railway and industrial applications throughout Russia.
In the medium term, the EMKA2 could function as a platform for further developments in hybrid and battery-electric locomotive technologies, potentially encompassing models with increased autonomy and enhanced power capacities.
Conclusion: The Prospective Developments in Shunting Traction
The effective certification of the entirely domestically manufactured EMKA2 hybrid shunting electric locomotive signifies a significant milestone in the development of Russian railway technology. By integrating electric propulsion with onboard energy storage, the locomotive presents a viable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional diesel shunters.
The EMKA2 exemplifies how innovation, localization, and advanced engineering can integrate to produce rolling stock that fulfills the operational, economic, and environmental requirements of the contemporary rail industry. Its deployment into service marks a substantial advancement toward more environmentally friendly, quieter, and more efficient shunting operations throughout Russia and beyond.