Grand Canyon Railway Nets $3.4M Grant to Go Electric

WILLIAMS, Ariz. — The Grand Canyon Railway, which has been providing tourists with scenic adventures into its namesake national park since 1901, has been awarded a $3.4 million grant to convert one of its classic diesel locomotives into one running on zero-emission battery power.

The grant was awarded through the Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration, and will cover about 80% of the cost for building a battery electric locomotive for the historic railway.

It is expected visitors will be able to take the train from Williams, Arizona, to the south rim of the Grand Canyon beginning in 2027.

“We are excited to embark on this new project and appreciate the support and funding,” said Jeff D’Arpa, vice president and general manager at Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel, in a written statement.

“This support allows us to pioneer sustainable, regenerative battery-electric locomotion that will help preserve this landscape and resources for future generations,” D’Arpa added.

The new locomotive will glide to the canyon on a single battery charge. Each battery has an expected lifespan of 12 years, and there will be multiple batteries in the locomotive.

If one battery fails, the locomotive will be able to continue at full power, however with slightly reduced range. Individual batteries can be changed out in the shop relatively easily, officials said.

Grand Canyon Railway was awarded the funding through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grants program, which provides funding for projects that improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail. 

Grand Canyon Railway is eligible as a Class III railroad, and the project meets the requirements of research, development, and testing to advance and facilitate innovative rail projects and rehabilitate, remanufacture, procure or overhaul locomotives for emissions reduction, officials said.

Innovative Rail Technologies, a provider of proprietary, advanced, battery-electric propulsion systems, developed the grant proposal, and the overall design of this locomotive. 

Officials said while most passengers probably won’t perceive a difference in their onboard experience, the reduced noise and diesel exhaust will make for a more comfortable canyon experience.

“The Grand Canyon Railway is a place where you can experience both the amazing legacy of steam locomotion and, soon, modern innovations such as battery-electric propulsion,” said Kevin Crosby, director of Sustainability for Xanterra, in a written statement.

“This project will significantly reduce the already low environmental impact of visiting the Grand Canyon via rail and will provide a quieter and cleaner guest experience,” Crosby continued. “This builds on our previous innovation of converting our historic steam locomotives to run on waste vegetable oil.”

The eco-friendly upgrade includes regenerative braking, which captures energy during the train’s 64-mile journey across changing elevations, recharging the battery about 30% each trip. The new technology will also bring maintenance and fuel savings, keeping this experience sustainable for generations. 

“This project is a unique chance to bring modern efficiency to a historic rail icon,” said Eric Hadder, chief mechanical officer at Grand Canyon Railway. 

“Our team in Williams is proud to lead the way in regenerative electric technology. We are proud that the locomotive will be constructed by the railway’s own employees in our Williams Locomotive Shop,” Hadder said.

Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue