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2025 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

Economical Comparison of Passenger Rail Traction Rolling Stock Alternatives

Authors : Laurynas Meilus, Lijana Maskeliūnaitė, Henrikas Sivilevičius

Published in: TRANSBALTICA XV: Transportation Science and Technology

Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland

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Abstract

This chapter presents a meticulous economic comparison of different traction systems for passenger rail services, focusing on energy and fuel consumption, investment costs, maintenance, and infrastructure adaptation. The analysis employs a unique comparison coefficient to evaluate the economic efficiency of diesel, electric, battery-electric, and hydrogen traction systems, providing a clear and comparable assessment. The study reveals that electric traction is currently the most economically efficient, followed closely by battery-electric and diesel traction, with hydrogen traction being the least cost-effective. The chapter also explores the environmental impact and future projections of these traction systems, highlighting the shift towards more sustainable options. It discusses the European Green Deal's targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the expected decline in the use of diesel multiple units (DMUs). The findings underscore the importance of considering both economic and environmental factors when selecting the most advantageous rolling stock for rail passenger services, offering valuable insights for strategic planning and policy development in the rail transport sector.

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Title: Economical Comparison of Passenger Rail Traction Rolling Stock Alternatives
Authors: Laurynas Meilus
Lijana Maskeliūnaitė
Henrikas Sivilevičius
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland
Book: TRANSBALTICA XV: Transportation Science and Technology
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-85389-0

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-031-85390-6

Copyright Year: 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-85390-6_39

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