Date
5-2023
Date Created
May 1, 2025
Project Type
URC Presentation
Department
Mechanical Engineering
College or School
CEPS
Class Year
Senior
Major
Mechanical Engineering
Faculty Research Advisor
Ivaylo Nedyalkov
Abstract
The Mount Washington Cog Railway is pursuing an initiative to electrify its diesel-hydraulic locomotive fleet. As a proof of concept for this effort, EV-1 is the first fully-electric cog-driven locomotive, engineered to meet the demands of Mount Washington’s extreme environment. In addition to showcasing the feasibility of a full-scale fleet electrification, EV-1 will serve as a multi-purpose vehicle for personnel transport, track maintenance, and emergency response operations. EV-1 is powered by an 800V battery bank and a 450HP electric motor capable of propelling the 9,000-pound vehicle up Mount Washington in any weather conditions. The drivetrain is designed to safely descend using regenerative braking for up to 6,000 pounds of gross weight. Optimized for performance, EV-1 is expected to reach the summit in just 15 minutes—three times faster than current locomotives. Thanks to regenerative braking, it can make two complete round trips on a single charge of the battery bank, dramatically improving operational efficiency. This project marks a significant step forward for the Cog Railway in advancing sustainable rail transportation and demonstrates the broader potential of electric drivetrain technologies in industrial and heavy-duty applications.
Recommended Citation
Callery, William; Facteau, Nathan; Mills, Alexander; Bailey, Joseph; and Vansicklen, Tatum, "Cog Railway EV-1: Fully Electric Locomotive" (2023). URC UNH Restricted. 632.
https://scholars.unh.edu/urc/632