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Aren’t most European trains already electric?

• sandworm101 8y ago
  Commuter trains, yes. "Most european trains" also probably yes as that would include the commuters. But if we are talking about replacing one engine system with another, the real measure is horsepower. Diesel is still a norm for long-haul freight, the real heavy lifting. In total amount of horsepower being used, diesel is still king. There are many reasons for this, the big one being a lack of standardization among European countries re overhead power supplies. A diesel can drive across boarders without worry about voltage or current changes. And I do laugh a little when they talk about removing the internal combustion trains. Nobody is talking about the external combustion trains, the steam trains. They are carbon nightmares but we keep them for nostalgic rides and movies about wizards. Will we do the same with diesels?
  • Brakenshire 8y ago
    It seems that you’re arguing with a straw man because these bans which are being talked about are for road transport, no government is proposing to ban IC ships, trains, and farm and construction equipment over that time frame, although it will likely be the case that a programme of electrification will be continued and stepped up. Similarly I don’t know why you’re talking about steam engines, they are totally insignificant.
  • adrianN 8y ago
    Nobody is talking about external combustion trains because you can count them on your fingers. The amount of coal they use is minuscule in the grand scheme of things. They also don't tend to run through inner cities.