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Watco to deploy Intramotev’s TugVolt railcars
Photo: Intramotev
Watco will introduce Intramotev’s TugVolt battery-electric, self-propelled railcars at its transload terminal in Wood River, Illinois, from January 2026. The equipment will be used for switching, offering shippers greater flexibility in yard operations.
Intramotev is the first company to put autonomous freight railcars into commercial service. Its TugVolt system is already in use at Carmeuse Americas’ limestone facility in Michigan, where it has moved more than 250,000 t of material this year, equal to 3,500 carloads.
The technology allows retrofitted wagons to operate autonomously, by remote control or in train consists. Intramotev CEO Tim Luchini said the system enables freight to move "exactly when and where it is needed", cutting delays and costs for customers. (ah)