"I'm pretty sure it's more efficient to convert to kinetic energy (almost) directly rather than through electricity - meaning that electric engines don't make m

"I'm pretty sure it's more efficient to convert to kinetic energy (almost) directly rather than through electricity - meaning that electric engines don't make much sense." An electric motor is >90% efficient. Sure you're added an extra stage converting to electricity, but so what? Electric drives are so efficient, diesel ICE locomotives have had electric drives (in lieu of transmissions) since the 1950s. That is, they have massive diesel engines that generate electricity instead of moving the train directly.