First hydrogen locomotive started working in Poland.
I mentioned it in my comment that you’re replying to. “wired” could easily refer to above or below, just continuous current is what matters for this discussion. Why do ask?
Edit: Wait did you think we can electrify all rails? Outside of major cities it’s a maintenance and safety nightmare, and a LOT of our freight moves via rail.
There are trains available that will run on overhead lines where available, and diesel when they’re not. There’s also passenger trains that have batteries as well.
It’s doable, especially considering how efficient trains are.
It’s kinda the default actually. Locomotives might lack pantographs if they never see electrified track but diesel locomotives aren’t direct drive but diesel-electric. I’m not that deep into the topic but from what I’ve heard a mechanical transmission would be a nightmare.
Modern trains are almost exclusively electric final drive, off the top of my head I can’t think of any exceptions. There are so many different voltages of overhead pantographs and drive motors though, there is almost always some type of converter needed to provide the right voltage to the drive motors.
Wait did you think we can electrify all rails?
You can electrify your rail because that’s what we did.
Outside of major cities it’s a maintenance and safety nightmare
No. Also outside of city cost of electrification is much cheaper.
and a LOT of our freight moves via rail.
Same for me
Not sure where you’re from but if you pretend it’s Switzerland then this comment is for you https://reddit.com/r/trains/s/UE3DSOPUdf
