Operational100%12024RetrofitSuzhou, CN

Introduction

Alta’s engineering team was commissioned to develop a traction control solution for Fangda Jiujiang PinggangSteel’s battery-electric shunter retrofit. The project required integrating a complete traction and power system capable of meeting the continuous load demands of heavy industrial rail operations while improving energy efficiency and reliability over the original diesel configuration.

WHY600

Fangda Jiujiang Pinggang Steel’s WHY600 Shunter

Alta's Scope of work

Alta supplied the full electrical system and associated subsystems, including:

Technology Snapshot

The WHY600 locomotive operates on a 700 V, 650 kWh LFP battery system paired with a 640 kW traction drive, designed to deliver steady, high-torque performance in industrial environments.

WHY600Battery SystemBattery ChemistryRated VoltageUsable CapacityAvailable System PowerRated PowerLFPDC 700 V212 Ah650 kWh800 kW
WHY600Traction SystemRated Input VoltageRated Output VoltageRated Input CurrentRated Output FrequencyRated PowerDC 700 VAC 380 V450 A50 Hz640 kW

Outcome & Significance

The WHY600 project demonstrated Alta’s ability to adapt its traction control architecture for mid-power locomotive applications. By tailoring the electrical system to the shunter’s specific operational profile, Alta delivered improved efficiency, thermal stability, and drivability, further validating its modular electrification platform for industrial rail use.