Electric vs Diesel Trains: The Future of Sustainable Rail
- Electric Trains
- Sector
- Sustainability

The rail sector is moving towards cleaner and more sustainable solutions, and electric trains are at the forefront of this movement.
Compared to traditional diesel engines, electric trains offer significant reductions in carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Despite diesel trains’ long history of use and ability to operate on non-electrified lines, their environmental impact and operational costs make them increasingly less viable in a world focused on sustainability.
This is not a change on the horizon, this is a reality: In Europe, more than 60% of the track is electrified, enabling more efficient trains with lower carbon emissions.
Here, we analyze the benefits of electrification compared to diesel, the challenges each technology faces, and why electric trains are becoming the preferred option for modern rail networks
Electric trains
What are they and how do they work?
Electric trains are rail vehicles that draw their power from an electrical network. This is usually provided by overhead catenaries or a third rail system. This power supply allows trains to be more efficient than diesel trains. For example, electric locomotives convert up to 90% of their energy into motion, compared to only about 30% for diesel locomotives, according to analysis from Mikura International.
Electrical systems can operate using either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC), each suited to different rail requirements. Due to their ability to efficiently transmit power over extended distances, AC systems are generally preferred for long-distance and high-speed lines. Conversely, DC systems are more common in suburban or metro areas, where short distances and frequent stops make them more practical. European high-speed rail lines, such as those in Germany and France, typically use AC, while many urban and regional systems use DC.
What is their current situation in the world?
In Europe, the UK currently has about 40% of its lines electrified, while Germany and Spain have more than 60%, with trains like the ICE providing fast connections. Outside Europe, the picture of railway electrification is mixed. China leads the way with more than 70% of its networks electrified.. By contrast, the United States has electrified only 2% of its network. However, there are initiatives to increase this, particularly in urban commuter systems such as New York and San Francisco.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of electric trains?
Electric trains offer numerous advantages but also face certain challenges. This innovation offers significant benefits, such as increased energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. But, there are challenges, such as infrastructure costs and dependence on the electricity grid. To understand their impact on modern rail transport, we analyze these issues below.
Advantages
- Energy efficiency: Electric trains convert around 90% of their energy into motion, compared to around 30% for diesel trains.
- Lower emissions: By using electricity, especially from renewable sources, electric trains have a much lower environmental impact, contributing to reduced carbon emissions.
- Maintenance costs: Electric motors require less maintenance than internal combustion engines, which can result in lower long-term operational costs.
- Speed and capacity: Electric trains can achieve higher speeds and handle greater passenger and cargo capacity, making them ideal for high-speed and suburban lines.
Disadvantages
- Initial costs: Electrifying tracks requires considerable infrastructure investment, which can be a barrier for some regions.
- Dependence on the power grid: Interruptions in the electrical supply can affect the operation of electric trains, unlike diesel trains, which are self-sufficient.
- Geographical limitations: Not all routes are suitable for electrification, especially in rural areas where installation costs may not be justifiable.
What is the best way to ensure a sustainable future for rail transport?
When the options are compared, it is clear that electric trains are the sustainable choice for the future of rail transport. Beyond their superior energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact, the cost dynamics further strengthen their case. According to the
While diesel trains offer short-term flexibility on non-electrified routes, their environmental impact and rising operating costs make them less viable in the long term. The shift to electrification is gaining momentum in Europe, Asia and parts of the Americas, and we are already seeing the results of this transition: High-speed rail lines in regions such as Europe and China are demonstrating how electric trains provide efficient, fast and sustainable transportation solutions, setting the standard for rail networks worldwide.