Heidelberg Materials uses Class 08e electric shunter
posted on 20th Apr 2026 14:21
On 20 April 2026, Heidelberg Materials commissioned a new Class 08e electric shunting locomotive at its Whatley quarry in Frome, Somerset. The locomotive is the first of its kind to be used at any UK quarry and is part of company's commitment to reducing scope 3 emissions in delivery transport by 15 % by 2030 from the 2019 baseline.
Converted by Positive Traction from a withdrawn diesel shunter, the electric locomotive is fed by six Powerpod battery packs, providing a total of 600 kWh of energy and delivering up to a 50 % increase in tractive effort. The Class 08e was aptly named Battery Bill by a primary school child, who won a competition among local schools and was invited to the quarry to unveil the winning name.
The investment in a zero-emission shunter is part of Heidelberg Materials wider sustainability strategy, including a commitment to improve a network of rail connected quarries and depots, and a target to reach net zero by 2050. Whatley quarry’s dedicated rail connection allows the company to supply high quality aggregates to major construction projects by rail, reducing vehicle movements on the road network and cutting associated emissions.
