New Electric-Powered Locomotive Designed for Harsh Winters Unveiled Near Edmonton

Source: Cameron MacCuish | · CBC · | September 13, 2025

New locomotive is first of its kind in Canada, Cando Rail & Terminals CEO says

A new kind of electric-powered locomotive designed to handle Canada's harsh winters was unveiled for the first time near Edmonton this week.

The zero-emission locomotive, powered by a lithium-ion battery, was shown off at a railyard in Strathcona County, just east of Edmonton on Wednesday. It was produced by Cando Rail & Terminals, a company that provides rail operating services and terminal infrastructure. 

The locomotive is the first of its kind in Canada, according to Cando CEO Brian Cornick.

He said electric locomotives already exist elsewhere in the world, including in the United States, but they are not capable of withstanding Canada's harsh winters. Cornick said this new locomotive is designed to take on the frigid temperatures found north of the Canada-U.S.border.

"This thing will withstand the Edmonton winters. It absolutely will," Cornick said.

"Building this in Canada was very important. Nothing else would work here." 

Cornick said the zero-emission locomotive was retrofitted and tested over the past year in the Winnipeg area, and was able to tow up to 50 full railcars in conditions colder than -40 C.

"We wanted to see … the most extreme weather you can find, and Winnipeg never fails to cause that," he said.