It is good to see that a technology sorely needed is approaching fruition to the real market. Cleantech.com reports on GE revealing its first hybrid locomotive said to reduce fuel consumption by 10% and emissions by up to 50%.
GE Shows First Hybrid Road Locomotive
One could ask, “So how much is that really?” Actually freight trains in the US have remarkable efficiency. Reuter’s reported that in 2007 one ton of freight in the US was moved at an average of 436 miles per gallon of fuel! Adding 10% to that number is nothing to scoff at.
Railroad Fuel Efficiency Sets New Record
Of course, this is for freight trains. Word has it that Bombardier is developing a hybrid passenger system for European markets. While saving fuel and lowering cost of freight transport is positive, lowering the costs of personal travel is a culture-changing advancement. In America we struggle with weening ourselves from automotive travel. While some point across the pond at Europe’s success, we have yet to make the cost and travel time competitive with flight and driving. This is an important step.