Operational20%11Nanjing, CNFirst Fit

Introduction

Alta led the development of the JW01 hybrid shunter in collaboration with CRRC, who supplied the chassis and cab. The locomotive combines a diesel engine with an LTO battery-electric system, providing efficient, low-emission operation across Nanjing Metro’s depots and maintenance facilities. Following the success of the prototype trials, Nanjing Metro has placed subsequent orders, validating the design’s performance and commercial potential.

Why LTO?

LTO (Lithium Titanate Oxide) batteries were selected for their superior charge–discharge durability and high thermal stability -ideal characteristics for metro environments where reliability and rapid turnaround are critical.

  • High cycle life: With thousands of deep charge cycles, LTO ensures long-term operational reliability.
  • Fast charging: The chemistry supports rapid energy recovery and minimal downtime between shifts.
  • Thermal safety: LTO’s stable composition allows safe operation under frequent load variation and regenerative braking conditions.

This choice enables the JW01 to combine the long-term endurance of diesel operation with the responsiveness and energy efficiency of an electric drive.


Nanjing Metro

Nanjing Metro Hybrid Shunter

Alta’s Scope of Work

Alta led the development, supply and integration of the following major systems and components:

Technology Snapshot

The JW01 hybrid shunter combines a 739 V, 200 kWh LTO battery system with a 64 kW diesel engine, delivering consistent traction performance and flexible operation across metro depots and maintenance lines.

JW01LocomotiveType of PropulsionDimensionsDiesel Engine PowerMaximum Traction ForceContinuous Traction ForceDiesel Engine + Battery 16m (H) X 2.65m (W) X 3.76m (L)64 kW78 kN57 kN
JW01Battery SystemBattery ChemistryRated VoltageUsable CapacityLTO739 V200 kW

Outcome & Significance

The JW01 project demonstrates Alta’s capability to lead end-to-end development of hybrid locomotives for urban rail applications. By combining high-cycle LTO storage with proven traction technology, Alta enabled Nanjing Metro to achieve greater operational flexibility, reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions, all without compromising reliability or performance. The success of the JW01 sets a precedent for future hybrid maintenance locomotives within metro systems across China.