[noahtallen]

I don’t understand: why would rail pollution be worse in Europe, which has electrification initiatives for even freight rail, than in the US, where the rail duopolies and monopolies use old diesel locomotives and never invest in meaningful system upgrades?

[LargoLasskhyfv]

Oh, really? https://www.railway-technology.com/news/wabtec-union-pacific...

[noahtallen]

Fair, but still diesel.

[JAlexoid]

Diesel electric engines are actually VERY efficient.

Even the "old diesel" locomotives are still easily 40% efficient.

[noahtallen]

Ok, sure. But wouldn’t a large natural gas electric turbine be even more efficient?

The thing about electric motors is the energy source is abstracted. So even if you’re generating electricity with gas, it’s usually much more efficient than a small localized engine.

So I think my point stands, if EU is electrifying its networks, I don’t understand how the US could possibly be more efficient.