MONTREAL, Aug.  14, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX:CNR) (NYSE:CNI) today announced the advancement of its hybrid locomotive development program, marking another important milestone in the company’s commitment to

CN Continues to Advance Locomotive Innovations

CN advances hybrid locomotives with 50% fuel savings target by 2026

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    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>MONTREAL, Aug.  14, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX:CNR) (NYSE:CNI) today announced the advancement of its hybrid locomotive development program, marking another important milestone in the company’s commitment to</p>
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  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>CN announced progress in its hybrid locomotive program, testing three units and planning two more conversions by end-2026. The pilot reports up to 50% fuel-efficiency gains, with solid-state batteries, a larger 2.8 MWh system, and horsepower rising to 3,800. If scalable, this could lower CN’s operating costs, reduce emissions, and potentially boost margins and competitive positioning in North American freight.</p>
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  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>CN advances hybrid locomotives; three tested, two more by end-2026; efficiency gains targeted.</li><li>Pilot shows up to 50% fuel efficiency improvement; reduces engine failures and emissions.</li><li>New tech: solid-state batteries, 2.8 MWh pack, 800 HP Tier 4 engine; HP rises to 3,800.</li><li>AC traction integrated into DC frame; project aims to extend asset life and reliability.</li><li>Near-term catalyst as CN expands testing across North American yard network.</li></ul>
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  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Canadian National Railway (CNR)</strong>: TSX listing; advancing hybrid locomotive program with potential efficiency and emissions benefits.</li><li><strong>CN (NYSE: CNI) (CNI)</strong>: U.S. ticker; direct exposure to CN’s fleet modernization and operational efficiency improvements.</li></ul>
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  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Industry News</h3>
    <p>Industry News; reflects CN’s ongoing locomotive modernization program and its potential long-term impact on costs, emissions, and competitive position within North American rail.</p>
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  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>CN&#039;s claimed 50% fuel efficiency improvement could meaningfully reduce opex.</li><li>End-2026 target to convert two more locomotives acts as near-term catalyst.</li><li>Solid-state battery tech implies capex considerations and potential supplier impact.</li><li>Higher HP and AC traction on a DC frame could improve reliability and service.</li></ul>
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  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>Date: Aug 14, 2026.</li><li>Pilot achieved up to 50% fuel efficiency improvement.</li><li>Three locomotives tested; two more to be converted by end-2026.</li><li>2.8 MWh battery system; 800 HP Tier 4 engine; horsepower up to 3,800.</li><li>New solid-state batteries replacing lead-acid batteries.</li><li>CN transports more than 300 million tons annually; nearly 20,000-mile network.</li></ul>
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  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>CNI could trend higher on efficiency gains; visibility through 2026–2027 as hybrids scale.</p>
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<link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/styles/gnw_nitf.css"></link><p align="justify">MONTREAL, Aug.  14, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CNR">CNR</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CNI">CNI</a>) today announced the advancement of its hybrid locomotive development program, marking another important milestone in the company’s commitment to innovative, more efficient and more sustainable rail operations.</p>  <p align="justify">Following a successful initial <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=j86WZbhWkMuHEHTgoWWjfI-HjTu3QN-8OCRa0-Vb4Yl77tv7x4nfri1R8tUkLIEs_EjJmSx4kpskjODFy_UUjxJvBO1VOvX-XTtqznEMnneo2CZoHbPN4cvPPXbML-szDXMgIxC9oJfuw7hJceXq6iEAg33t7PVT5x0J-Wa8Q1-HFcuiHriQ2q7PgxMIlMwH2oeDHJsjxZitWQoolP-m5RvrJrVfsNp-MOQNj_SXyL4=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pilot project with a hybrid locomotive</a>, CN now has three locomotives being tested and is working to transform two additional locomotives into hybrid-electric platforms with AC traction technology by the end of 2026. Through this industry-first approach, CN expects to improve fuel efficiency, reliability, and operational performance, while extending asset life and reducing emissions.</p>  <p align="justify">"This milestone represents another important step in CN’s locomotive innovation and modernization journey. By repowering and enhancing existing yard locomotives, we are being more efficient while supporting service to our customers and more sustainable operations for the long term."</p>  <p align="justify" style="padding-left:40px;"> - Patrick Whitehead, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, CN<br></br></p>  <p align="justify">In its successful pilot project, CN has achieved up to a 50 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, along with significant reductions in traditional engine-related failures, increased horsepower, and reduced idling contributing to lower noise and emissions in the communities where CN operates. Testing was conducted in both hot and extreme cold conditions, helping teams further optimize performance in real-world operating environments.</p>  <p align="justify">Some new features include:</p>  <ul type="disc"><li style="text-align:justify;">New solid-state battery technology replacing conventional lead-acid batteries</li><li style="text-align:justify;">A larger 2.8MWh battery system paired with a 800HP Tier 4 engine</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Increased horsepower from 3,200 to 3,800 HP</li><li style="text-align:justify;">AC traction motors integrated into a DC motor frame while maintaining the same truck interface</li></ul>  <p align="justify">This initiative reflects strong cross-functional collaboration between CN’s mechanical, transportation, procurement, and sustainability teams as the Company continues to enhance the next generation of yard power for its North American network.</p>  <p align="justify">For more information, please view our video <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=BVB_17ZEvZx_uyjjkkTJpKn7lff93nRXTWjxEvhj7df5TjsiBrOARovqRnNuW5ReDshdwTEtR7J1ZXwzcb8fEiANkz3bAQ4nBsZS5t3cuokVwIFaaSKgoJhm4ERSjV5F" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>  <p align="justify"><strong>About CN</strong><br></br>CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.</p>  <p><strong><u>Contacts: </u></strong></p> <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width:100%; border-collapse:collapse ;"><tr><td style="vertical-align: top ; "><strong><u>Media</u></strong></td><td style="vertical-align: top ; "><strong><u>Investment Community</u></strong></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top ; ">Ashley Michnowski</td><td style="vertical-align: top ; ">Jamie Lockwood</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top ; ">Senior Manager        </td><td style="vertical-align: top ; ">Vice-President</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top ; ">Media Relations</td><td style="vertical-align: top ; ">Investor Relations and Special Projects</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top ; ">(438) 596-4329</td><td style="vertical-align: top ; ">(514) 399-0052<br></br></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top ; "><a href="mailto:media@cn.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">media@cn.ca</a><br></br></td><td style="vertical-align: top ; "><a href="mailto:investor.relations@cn.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">investor.relations@cn.ca</a><br></br></td></tr></table> <p><br></br></p> <img alt="" class="__GNW8366DE3E__IMG" src="https://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/ti?nf=OTgxMDMyNiM3Nzc3MTA5IzIwMDY1NDM="></img> <br></br><img alt="" src="https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/ZjRmNmQyMDMtN2Q3NC00MzFhLThlYjMtOWMyZTk5ZjI0N2YxLTEwMTgxMTYtMjAyNi0wOC0xNC1lbg==/tiny/Canadian-National-Railway.png" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></img><p><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d8f3f116-ccaf-4c51-af12-154863973974"><img src="https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/d8f3f116-ccaf-4c51-af12-154863973974/small/cn100-logo-jpg.png" border="0" width="150" height="56" alt="Primary Logo"></img></a></p>

CN announced progress in its hybrid locomotive program, testing three units and planning two more conversions by end-2026. The pilot reports up to 50% fuel-efficiency gains, with solid-state batteries, a larger 2.8 MWh system, and horsepower rising to 3,800. If scalable, this could lower CN’s operating costs, reduce emissions, and potentially boost margins and competitive positioning in North American freight.

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CN Continues to Advance Locomotive Innovations

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