Re:California bullet train cost surges by $2.8B
by dx034 on Thursday January 18, 2018 @02:54AM
(#16175443)
If you think longer-term, electric trains are realistic. If batteries are cheaper than Diesel, you could just put 2x20ft container at the front with batteries. They can be swapped en-route and used as battery storage when not in use. As far as I know, most newer freight trains are diesel-electric anyway so not sure if you couldn't just feed the electric engine directly from a battery without buying new engines.
Currently not feasible because of high battery prices but realistic in 1-2 decades. And losses are lower than for electrified rail.
Busy routes are still better electrified but the huge US freight rail network would likely be cheaper to convert that way.
Currently not feasible because of high battery prices but realistic in 1-2 decades. And losses are lower than for electrified rail.
Busy routes are still better electrified but the huge US freight rail network would likely be cheaper to convert that way.