Cars
Fact-checked

At WikiMotors, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Diesel Electric Locomotive?

J.M. Densing
J.M. Densing

A diesel electric locomotive is the most common type of locomotive, or train engine, currently in use on railroads around the world. In this type of locomotive, a diesel engine provides power to an electric generator. The electricity generated then provides the power to engines connected to the locomotive's wheels, turning the wheels and allowing it to move.

In a diesel electric locomotive, the engine is not a drive engine turning the wheels and moving the train, as is frequently believed. The diesel engine is basically a power source. This is useful because diesel engines have several advantages. They are extremely reliable, easy to start, and are much simpler to repair than other types of engines. By having its own power source, the diesel electric locomotive is able to run on any kind of track.

Many "diesel" locomotives are actually diesel-electric units, as the diesel engine provides power to electric traction motors that drive the locomotive's wheels.
Many "diesel" locomotives are actually diesel-electric units, as the diesel engine provides power to electric traction motors that drive the locomotive's wheels.

The engine in the diesel electric locomotive provides power to an electric generator. In this way, the locomotive provides electricity to separate motors that move the locomotive's wheels. These are called traction motors. The traction motors are located inside the locomotive, and move the axles connected to the locomotive's wheels. This action moves the locomotive's wheels, causing the locomotive to travel down the track bringing the rest of the train along with it.

The traction motors on a diesel electric locomotive can be reversed to facilitate breaking, however a train with a full consist still takes some distance to stop.
The traction motors on a diesel electric locomotive can be reversed to facilitate breaking, however a train with a full consist still takes some distance to stop.

The diesel electric locomotive was first used in Sweden in the year 1913. It combined diesel engine technology created in 1892 by Dr Rudolf Diesel in Germany, with technology created in 1866 by Frank Sprague for use in electric street cars in the United States. The diesel electric locomotive was soon in use in several European countries. Use in the United States came a little later when General Electric began working on a design during World War I, but soon decided to just build the electric portions. Other companies built the bodies, and by the late 1920s, several companies were producing diesel electric locomotives for several railroad lines in the United States.

Diesel-electric locomotives were first used in Sweden in 1913.
Diesel-electric locomotives were first used in Sweden in 1913.

Once production began, the diesel electric locomotive was adopted rapidly by railroads. It had several advantages over earlier steam locomotives. Steam locomotives took a long time to start and frequently needed expensive maintenance and repairs. They also needed to stop often to pick up fuel, using enormous amounts of coal and water. In contrast, diesel electric locomotives were able to run much longer between stops and were far less expensive to maintain, making them a cost effective choice for modern railroads.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Many "diesel" locomotives are actually diesel-electric units, as the diesel engine provides power to electric traction motors that drive the locomotive's wheels.
      By: alpegor
      Many "diesel" locomotives are actually diesel-electric units, as the diesel engine provides power to electric traction motors that drive the locomotive's wheels.
    • The traction motors on a diesel electric locomotive can be reversed to facilitate breaking, however a train with a full consist still takes some distance to stop.
      By: ftfoxfoto
      The traction motors on a diesel electric locomotive can be reversed to facilitate breaking, however a train with a full consist still takes some distance to stop.
    • Diesel-electric locomotives were first used in Sweden in 1913.
      By: iraries
      Diesel-electric locomotives were first used in Sweden in 1913.
    • Early locomotives were powered by steam.
      By: Dumitrescu Ciprian
      Early locomotives were powered by steam.