Abstract
The potential use of large storage batteries to provide onboard propulsion energy for freight railroads is gaining significant attention. Even though at least 126 Battery Electric Locomotives have been tested, built and operated in the U.S. since 1920, diesel-electric locomotives remain dominant. Several new Battery Electric Locomotives (BELs) are entering operation in the U.S., Brazil and Germany, including a 2.4 MWh experimental BEL for over-the-road service and a 2.4 MWh BEL for switching service. An alternative approach is the use of Battery Tenders (BTs) to provide supplemental power to modified AC diesel-electric locomotives (the Tender supplements or temporarily replaces the carbon-emitting diesel engine power plant). Any significant shift from diesel-electric to battery propulsion by freight railroads will be as complex and disruptive as their conversion from steam to diesel-electric locomotives between 1940 and 1960. Commercial adoption of battery propulsion is not readily guaranteed, and several barriers to use must be overcome. This paper identifies and investigates some of those barriers.
