Low-emission diesel genset locomotives have begun to spring up in railyards across the country. Genset locomotives switch to a low-power setting when they are idling, slashing fuel use and reducing carbon and particulate emissions. But the emergence of gensets and low-emissions passenger trains has been much slower to get moving. That is until now.

Officials with the Maryland Transit Administration say the new MP36 commuter locomotive built by MotivePower in Boise, Idaho drastically reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter, all while topping-out at a speed of 108 mph.

Unlike the genset locomotives which can toggle down from its operating power of 3 running engines down to 1, the diesel electric locomotives from MotivePower shut off the diesel engine altogether while idling and keep the motor turning via an electric APU (alternative power unit).

Video via Clean Skies