Electric locomotives

An electric locomotive draws its energy from an external supply, usually an overhead catenary or a third rail, and converts it into traction through electric motors. Because it carries neither fuel nor engine, it offers a very high power-to-weight ratio, strong acceleration and no local emissions.

Electric locomotives haul most freight and many passenger trains on the electrified networks of Europe, Russia, China and India. Multi-system designs can run under several voltages, such as 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC, 25 kV 50 Hz AC or 3 kV DC, which allows trains to cross borders without changing locomotive.

When comparing models, look at the continuous power output, the starting tractive effort, the supported electrification systems, the axle arrangement (Bo'Bo' or Co'Co' for most modern machines) and the axle load, which decides on which lines a locomotive may run.