Electric Train Characteristics

One the great advantages of an electric train over the other models, apart from speed is lack of pollution. The actual train/locomotive itself gives off very little pollution. Electric trains also perform better then diesel and lower maintenance costs.

Power for electric trains can come from sources that are clean like renewable energy. Solar and wind come to mind. Electric trains are also much much quieter then any of their counterparts. This is because there is no engine so there is no exhaust noise and the mechanics itself are much quieter.

Electric trains also have a higher power output. So they can get to speeds that diesel cannot and can accelerate much faster as well. Electric trains therefore make the best commuter trains on the market. They are also used for freight and are taking over diesel in this market as well.

The big disadvantage of electric trains is that the cost of infrastructure is extremely high. Things such as the overhead power lines, the third rail that needs to be electrified and of course all the control systems that are needed to run a network of electric trains.