ACS-64 Electric Locomotive

Prototype Information

Siemens Mobility built the ACS-64, or “Amtrak Cities Sprinter,” to replace Amtrak’s worn-out AEM-7s and troublesome HHP-8s on the Northeast and Keystone Corridors. Engineers adapted Siemens’ EuroSprinter and Vectron designs to meet strict U.S. crash standards and handle the three different overhead power systems along the NEC.

In October 2010, Amtrak signed a $466 million contract with Siemens for 70 locomotives. Workers assembled the units at Siemens’ Florin, California, plant, while suppliers in Ohio and Georgia produced major components to meet Buy America rules. The first ACS-64 entered service on February 7, 2014, and Siemens completed deliveries in 2016, producing units numbered 600–665 and 667–670.

The ACS-64 runs at 125 mph in service, with a design limit of 135 mph, and produces up to 6,400 kW of power. Regenerative braking sends electricity back into the grid, while crash energy management features—like crumple zones and anti-climbing structures—protect crews in a collision. The locomotive can push an 18-car Amfleet train to top speed in just over eight minutes.