Boston's MBTA approves battery-electric locomotives for commuter rail

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority board has unanimously approved buying 20 Siemens Charger locomotives, 10 diesel-hybrid units and 10 dual-mode battery and overhead-wire electric units, to replace ageing GP40s built over 50 years ago and F40s more than 30 years old. Officials say charging infrastructure and controlling battery units from existing cab cars remain challenges.