Always wondered why it doesn’t make sense to use diesel/electric in large trucks. Assumed it’s because cost/complexity doesn’t out weight benefits, but not sure why. Thanks.
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Batteries have nothing to do with this technology. Diesel/electric locomotives use the Diesel engines to produce electricity which drives the electric motors. It works because they need to be heavy. It also works because a train isn’t constantly starting and stopping. Weight and momentum play a huge role in efficiency, as it does in large ships using similar technology.
OTR vehicles (semi tractors) are legally weight constrained due to safety and highway weight restrictions. The heavier the tractor, the less freight they can carry, and also the more energy to start, accelerate and stop the heavier the vehicle. Electric semis (with batteries) are a promising alternative but share none of the properties of a diesel-electric locomotive.
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