The Class 08e locomotive is the first of its kind to be used at any UK quarry. Its selection is part of Heidelberg's goal to cut emissions from delivery transport by 15% by 2030, from a 2019 baseline.
The locomotive was converted by Positive Traction from a withdrawn diesel unit. It is powered by six Powerpod battery packs, offering 600kWh of energy and up to 50% more tractive effort.
The shunter was dubbed Battery Bill by a local primary school pupil, as part of a competition run by the materials supplier.
Daniel Welch, rail logistics manager at Heidelberg Materials UK, said: 鈥淐ommissioning the first electric shunting locomotive to operate at a UK quarry is a significant milestone for Heidelberg Materials and for the industry. 2/2聽
鈥淧ositive Traction鈥檚 approach to converting an existing diesel locomotive offered a sustainable solution that supports our decarbonisation goals and demonstrates that zero-emission rail operations are achievable.鈥澛�