Electric Locomotive

trains · electricity · transportation · clean energy

Powered by electricity. Electric locomotives get their power from overhead wires or special rails called third rails, or they can store electricity in batteries. This is totally different from diesel trains that burn fuel like cars do.

Super efficient power system. The electricity runs a motor that turns the wheels, with no need to burn anything. This makes electric trains cleaner and more powerful than locomotives that carry their own fuel.

Fast and smooth. Because electric motors respond instantly and can deliver huge amounts of power, electric trains can accelerate quickly and reach higher speeds than many diesel trains.

Better for the planet. Electric locomotives don't produce exhaust or smoke, so they help keep the air clean in cities and countries that use them, especially if the electricity comes from renewable sources like wind or solar.

Different from hybrid trains. Diesel-electric trains look similar but actually burn diesel fuel to make electricity, so they aren't true electric locomotives. Real electric trains get their power delivered to them from outside sources.