The NZR EF class (originally NZR Class 30) is a class of 22 25 kV AC electric locomotives that operate on the North Island Main Trunk between Palmerston North and Te Rapa (near Hamilton) in New Zealand. They are the only class of 25 kV AC locomotives to operate in New Zealand, and one of the two mainline electric locomotive classes in New Zealand - the other being the 1968 EO class 1500V DC locomotives in service for Tranz Metro in Wellington.
The EF class was built by Brush Traction in Loughborough, UK between 1986 and 1988. They were built to run on the new electrified central section of the NIMT, and the first two members, 30007 and 30013, were involved in the testing of the new electrification system. The locomotives, at 3000 kW (1864.1 ftin), are the most powerful locomotives to operate in New Zealand, and the design of the class has been used in designing other electric locomotives overseas, including the Le Shuttle Eurotunnel Class 9 electric locomotives that operate in the Channel Tunnel between the UK and France.
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