Alternative fuel locomotive

An alternative fuel locomotive refers to a locomotive that is not powered by oil or coal based fuels. In the 21st century, a variety of technologies are being experimentally tried as alternative fuels, including hydrogen, liquified natural gas, and compressed natural gas.^[1]

GE Evolution Series locomotive powered by natural gas in the United States

Types

Hydrogen

Main article: Hydrail

In the United States, BNSF Railway tested a hydrogen powered switcher locomotive in 2008 and 2009, in partnership with the United States Army.^[2]

Battery electric

Main article: Battery electric locomotive

Several railroads have tested battery electric locomotives, which operate based on rechargeable batteries and have zero greenhouse gas emissions.^[2] Compared to conventional diesel locomotives, battery electric locomotives are quieter and cleaner, but require charging stations to support their use.^[3] At least one instance of a battery electric locomotive, for the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad, was funded by a state government grant supporting improvements to air quality.^[3] As of 2022, battery electric locomotives are only a small part of the locomotive fleet in North America, which numbers approximately 39,000.^[3]

See also

• List of low-emissions locomotives