The life expectancy of diesel-electric and electric locomotives is expected to be similar—about 25 years. Both types of motive power are subject to technological obsolescence.
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Electric locomotives usually cost 20% less than diesel locomotives, their maintenance costs are 25-35% lower, and cost up to 50% less to run. The chief disadvantage of electrification is the high cost for infrastructure: overhead lines or third rail, substations, and control systems.
THE WORLD'S OLDEST WORKING ELECTRIC RAILWAYWelcome to the Volk's Electric Railway, a fascinating piece of living history on Brighton's beautiful seafront. As the oldest working electric railway in the world, we're proud to have been transporting passengers in style since 1883.
Diesel locomotive engines are classified as diesel-mechanical (DM), diesel-electric (DE) and diesel-hydraulic (DH) engines. DM engines run at an average speed of 60 kmph, while DE engines travel at an average speed of 80 kmph, also the average speed of an electric engine.
However, the two are basically similar vehicles in that they use a power source to spin the wheels. Trains, like cars, require regular inspection. In fact, trains require more maintenance than cars.
Electric trains have always had no direct carbon emissions because they are run entirely by internal electric motors. However, the means of generating the electricity used to power these motors was predominately by burning fossil fuels or coal, both of which produce a large amount of carbon emissions.
Every battery locomotive that replaces a diesel will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3,000 tons per year, Wabtec estimates. But it is unlikely they can quickly replace diesel-powered trains.
Electric trains are better for the environment than diesel trains, and they're quieter for both those on board the train and those living close to the railway.
Moyer also countered that the $4.8 million per track mile figure is related to the most expensive areas to electrify a rail line, such as on an overpass. He estimates initial installation costs to be around $2 million per track mile and $2.5 million per doubletrack mile.