1. The U.S. EPA is considering a waiver of the Clean Air Act sought by California which would allow the state to ban diesel-electric train locomotives in pursuit of its climate goals. 2. A California waiver would allow the state to ban diesel-electric trains older than 23 years and force railroads to buy "zero emission" locomotives
The electric train, known as FLXdrive Battery Locomotive, is no longer just a prototype and has made its official debut in Pittsburgh, PA, following Wabtec''s first sale of the locomotive
Electric locomotives usually cost 20% less than diesel locomotives, their maintenance costs are 25–35% lower, and cost up to 50% less to run. [2] The chief disadvantage of electrification is the high cost for infrastructure: overhead lines or third rail, substations, and control systems.
The purchase marks the largest number of FLXDrives placed in a single order for Wabtec, as well as the largest investment in battery-electric locomotives by a North American railroad (Union
The cost of powering the train is typically 45% lower because electric trains are lighter and more efficient and electricity from the National Grid is cheaper than diesel fuel, and as electric trains are lighter they cause on average 13% less wear to the tracks.
In comparison to the principal alternative, the diesel engine, electric railways offer substantially better energy efficiency, lower emissions, and lower operating costs. Electric locomotives are also usually quieter, more powerful,
EVs now beat rail as the largest electricity consumer in the US transport sector. Light-duty EVs in the US used more electricity than rail systems for the first time in 2023, according
Even at current prices, with the energy conversion rates mentioned above, it is estimated that it is 50 percent less expensive to power a train by electricity than by diesel. The cost of electric locomotive engines is about 20 percent less than diesel locomotive engines on the global market, and maintenance costs are 25-35 percent less than for
A diesel locomotive could cost from $500,000-$2 million. While an electric locomotive could cost more than $6 million. Price depends on whether it is powered by AC or DC traction, how much horsepower it has, or what electronics it is equipped with.
Taking into account the health damages from air pollution and climate damages of carbon dioxide emissions, battery-powered locomotives would save the US freight rail sector US$94 billion over 20 years, researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory say.