An alternative fuel locomotive refers to a locomotive that is not powered by oil or coal based fuels. In the 21st century, a variety of technologies are being experimentally tried as alternative fuels, including hydrogen, liquified natural gas, and compressed natural gas.[1]
Several railroads have tested battery electric locomotives, which operate based on rechargeable batteries and have zero greenhouse gas emissions.[2] Compared to conventional diesel locomotives, battery electric locomotives are quieter and cleaner, but require charging stations to support their use.[3] At least one instance of a battery electric locomotive, for the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad, was funded by a state government grant supporting improvements to air quality.[3] As of 2022, battery electric locomotives are only a small part of the locomotive fleet in North America, which numbers approximately 39,000.[3]