Is there a future for hybrid trains?

With the development and popularisation of hybrids in the motor industry on a global scale, it’s not surprising that hybrid technology is being developed for other forms of transport – such as the train network.
On a similar principle to hybrid cars, there are already hybrid trains in Japan that are powered by diesel engines with an electric motor whose batteries are charged through regenerative braking. Currently the only company with a hybrid locomotive ready for use is Toshiba.
Compared to conventional diesel train engines, hybrid locomotives could reduce emissions by up to 80 per cent.  They could also offer fuel savings between 15 and 40 per cent compared to conventional diesel trains.
However, it’s by no means certain that hybrid trains will catch on in the same way that hybrid technology has taken hold in the car industry. It’s now possible to buy any number of models of hybrid car, ranging from superminis to family cars and SUVs.
There are currently a number of challenges for hybrid trains to be used in Europe, the major one being that track is electrified, which eliminates the need for diesel trains, hybrid or not.  Similarly in North America, the hybrid train industry was set back in the early 2000s by a number of Railpower’s Green Goat hybrid models catching fire. The company went on to declare bankruptcy.
There have also been great improvements in diesel train fuel-efficiency, with the development of diesel gensets.  These are trains powered by a number of computer controlled smaller diesel engines. Engines can be switched on or off automatically, depending on how much horsepower is required at any given time.
Of course, there are also other developments in alternatively fuelled trains, including trains powered by hydrogen. In Sweden, there is already a hydrogen powered train that is in commercial use.
For the time being, it’s not certain which fuel will be the most common for locomotives of the future, but it is sure that emissions will be reduced and locomotives will become even better on fuel efficiency as technology develops.