OptiFuel delivers customer-focused solutions that directly align with the core objectives of North American railroads: reducing fuel costs, enhancing operating efficiency, and providing an affordable, low-risk pathway to achieving net-zero emissions.
See Our Rail SolutionsMore About OptiFuelAt OptiFuel, customization, future transitions & on-rail maintenance come standard.
Long Range. No Tender.
6,500 gallon range capable of traveling from LA to Chicago without refueling — no tender required.
Cost Savings
Reduce fuel costs by 30-40% compared to Tier 4 diesel locomotives and enjoy lower lifetime maintenance expenses.
All the power. Zero emissions.
Achieve diesel-like power with near-zero NOx and PM emissions, plus net-zero GHG emissions.
New & Retrofit Options
Buy new or retrofit any existing switcher or line haul locomotive platform with minimal infrastructure expansion.
Superior Performance
Built for 24/7 use and 30-year life with no need for resting or recharging.
Unmatched Reliability
95% uptime and full tractive effort even if an engine fails, plus 1-hour on-track engine module replacement.
Future-Proof
Modular engineering allows easy updates as new renewable technologies emerge, helping railroads stay adaptable without high re-investment costs.
Flexible Fueling
Operate on 100% diesel or blends with up to 35% RNG, allowing railroads to achieve net-zero emissions at their own pace.
Now Taking Orders
Total-Zero™ Diesel-Hybrid, Dual Fuel, Hydrogen and Battery-Electric Switcher Locomotives
- 42′ (2500kW Battery-Electric) 52′ (1500 hp) or 62′ (2000 hp)
- Cost Savings – Up to 40% more fuel efficient than Tier 4
- Advanced DC Traction
- Near-Zero Criteria Emissions – 52x cleaner than Tier 4 locomotives
- Net-zero GHG in Dual Fuel mode
- RNG about $1.50 a DGE
- Seamless, simple infrastructure integration
Leading the Charge to Net-Zero
The only supplier 100% focused on zero emission switcher and line haul locomotives, OptiFuel has been advancing alternative fuel technology in locomotives since 2013.
Proven Experience
OptiFuel is the only company to develop and install a CNG refueling station for rail and the first company to obtain FRA concurrence with CNG storage onboard a freight locomotive. Learn more ›
Setting the Pace of Innovation
OptiFuel’s 5000 hp Diesel-RNG Dual Fuel Hybrid line haul locomotive, set to undergo testing at TTC from 2025 to 2026, is aiming for FRA concurrence by 2027.
The Recognized Leader
Two recent CRISI awards worth $26,155,673 will support full FRA concurrence of our zero emission Diesel-RNG Dual Fuel Hybrid Switcher and Line Haul Locomotives by 2026 and 2027. Read more ›
Latest News
Railway Age – Looking Beyond Diesel
Check out this article just published in Railway Age: Looking Beyond Diesel and see how OptiFuel Systems is developing alternative fuel technologies that can accommodate the varying needs of short line operations.
2025 OptiFuel Total-Zero™ Switcher Locomotive Brochure
Click the button below to download OptiFuel's 2025 Total-Zero™ Locomotives Brochure to learn more about: OptiFuel's fuel-efficient, reliable, FRA concurrent equipment for a...
Two New CRISI Awards Worth $26,155,673 Will Fast Track Full Production of OptiFuel’s Zero Emission Diesel-RNG Dual Fuel Hybrid Switchers by 2026 and OptiFuel’s “No Tender” Line Haul Locomotives by 2028
Two new CRISI awards to Colorado State University Pueblo and the University of Delaware will fast-track FRA Concurrence for OptiFuel Total-Zero™ Diesel-RNG Dual Fuel Hybrid Switchers and Line Haul Locomotives to 2026 and 2027, respectively.