Battery-electric Trains—rail Industry Not Buying It

In a study put together by researchers at the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a case has been made that Us-based diesel-electric trains can be retrofitted with batteries (i.e. all-electric) in a way that is cost-competitive with diesel. However, the biggest problem lies in the study’s “envisioned” recharging routine. According to the former General Director Locomotive Engineering at United Pacific Railroad, Michael Iden, the largest obstacles would be getting a nationwide supply of battery tenders, as well as sufficient grid connectivity and having large amounts of power available. “A 9 MWH battery tender (what will be required) would be the equivalent of recharging 36 of Tesla’s proposed battery-powered Cybertruck tractors, each with a 250 kwh battery (or 90 Tesla auto’s, each with a 100 kwh battery). And that’s only the beginning of the criticisms. For more, follow the link below.