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by kube-system 947 days ago
Yes, diesel engines are some of the most efficient internal combustion engines, the best of them are slightly better than 50% efficient from tank to crank.

And then diesel-electrics have more losses converting that to electricity, and then more losses again to convert back to rotational power.

It is more efficient to generate electricity at a power plant and electrify the tracks, because power plants can far exceed 50% efficiency. Also they can run on something less dirty.