Dayton-Phoenix Group (DPG) has successfully completed testing of its VOLT hybrid locomotive solution, designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions across industrial, mining, and bulk-handling rail operations, while extending the life of existing diesel-electric locomotives.
VOLT is a retrofit-ready system that integrates with conventional diesel-electric locomotives, supplying supplemental electric power during high-demand periods such as acceleration, grade climbing, or hauling heavy bulk loads. Testing confirmed stable operation, predictable load sharing, and measurable reductions in diesel engine loading — offering clear benefits for rail-intensive environments where fuel efficiency, uptime, and reliability are critical.
Rail operations in mining and bulk handling face unique challenges: steep grades, heavy tonnages, frequent starts and stops, remote locations, and long asset life expectations. Unlike full battery-electric locomotives, which require significant capital investment and supporting infrastructure, VOLT allows operators to reduce fuel consumption and emissions without replacing existing locomotives or disrupting operations.
Testing demonstrated that VOLT can:
-
Lower diesel fuel use during high-load cycles
-
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through improved engine efficiency
-
Handle demanding mine-site or bulk-handling rail profiles without compromising reliability
-
Extend the useful service life of current locomotives
For operators of industrial and bulk rail systems, these capabilities translate into tangible operational and financial benefits. By lowering fuel costs and reducing emissions, VOLT enables companies to pursue practical decarbonization strategies while maintaining production targets and asset efficiency.
Jacob Dahle, Head of Sustainability and Growth at DPG, notes: “VOLT was developed for real-world rail operations. For bulk and mine-site rail users, it delivers sustainability without forcing major operational or capital changes.”
DPG is now engaging with rail operators, mining companies, and industrial bulk-handling firms across Africa to evaluate pilot deployments and site-specific implementations. For operators seeking practical ways to cut costs, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact, VOLT presents a performance-driven solution that aligns sustainability with core operational priorities.
