electric locomotive
Quick Summary
An electric locomotive is a type of locomotive that uses electricity for power. This electricity can be drawn from an overhead wire, a third rail, or a storage battery. Some electric locomotives can also generate their own electric power.1
The first successful application of electric traction was in 1879, with early commercial uses for suburban and metropolitan railroads starting in 1895. While electrification was not as widespread in the United States as in Europe, it is particularly associated with the northeastern United States, with high-speed rail development between Boston and Washington, D.C.. Electric traction is generally considered economical and efficient, offering advantages such as higher power output for starting or climbing grades, quieter operation, and no smoke or fumes. However, it requires a significant capital investment in fixed infrastructure like wires and substations.23
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railroadAdvances in traction systemsā¦third of the 20th century electrification of standard railroads (which came first on the B&O in 1895) proceeded. Never as widespread as in Europe, electrification today is particularly associated with the northeastern United States. This regional concentration of electrification has meant that only between Boston and Washington, D.C., where theā¦
Read Moreā¦third of the 20th century electrification of standard railroads (which came first on the B&O in 1895) proceeded. Never as widespread as in Europe, electrification today is particularly associated with the northeastern United States. This regional concentration of electrification has meant that only between Boston and Washington, D.C., where theā¦
Read More- railroadDiesel-electric locomotion and electronic systems
ā¦steam locomotive factory switched to electric locomotive manufacture in 1991. Diesel-electric traction had become far more reliable and cheaper to run, though electric tractionās performance characteristics and operating costs were superior. But up to mid-century only high-traffic routes could optimize electric tractionās economy, not least because of the heavy capitalā¦
Read Moreā¦steam locomotive factory switched to electric locomotive manufacture in 1991. Diesel-electric traction had become far more reliable and cheaper to run, though electric tractionās performance characteristics and operating costs were superior. But up to mid-century only high-traffic routes could optimize electric tractionās economy, not least because of the heavy capitalā¦
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