The 4ES5K four-section electric freight locomotive with alternating current, manufactured by Novocherkassk Electric Locomotive Plant (NEVZ), part of JSC Transmashholding, has started certification trials on Belorechenskaya high-speed test track of  JSC Railway Research Institute (VNIIZhT).  

The most powerful AC electric freight locomotive in the world has a 1h rating of 13.12 MW and will be used to haul heavy trains of up to 7100 tons, on Eastern Russian Railways (RZD) line. 4ES5K is a modification of serial electric locomotives ‘Ermak’ and is fitted with axle traction control for effective traction distribution between axles and maximum loco traction factor and a microprocessor control system with advanced diagnostic functions and data transfer to servers of repair depots and manufacturing plants for quick failure recovery.

The testing program is expected to be completed in late November.