camelot-forum.co.uk

https://electrek.co/2024/11/08/uk-first ... ms-diesel/

Interesting….

I wonder how long before freight trains can also go electric/BEV for sections that aren't electrified. That will be nice.

A little more informatiohttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1e7dxzl6w9o in this article:

Mart wrote: ↑Sat Nov 09, 2024 11:53 am I wonder how long before freight trains can also go electric/BEV for sections that aren't electrified. That will be nice.

these https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_R ... _(Stadler) are on test (Freight tri-modes) but it seems that there is no commercial work for them as dirty existing diesel engines are cheaper to run even than electric locos, and these being new ones will be dearer to run because of the hire/lease costs.

AE-NMidlands wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2024 9:26 am

Mart wrote: ↑Sat Nov 09, 2024 11:53 am I wonder how long before freight trains can also go electric/BEV for sections that aren't electrified. That will be nice.

these https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_R ... _(Stadler) are on test (Freight tri-modes) but it seems that there is no commercial work for them as dirty existing diesel engines are cheaper to run even than electric locos, and these being new ones will be dearer to run because of the hire/lease costs.

Cool, so good/bad news, but going in the right direction.

Digression, but I went to the Everything Electric show a month back, and had a chat with a company that convert old rubbish trucks to diesel [Edit - That should be 'from diesel, to BEV'.] *. They also mentioned the complications of rules, and the separation of running cost and purchase budgets.

Their truck conversions are cheaper than a new BEV, but more expensive than a new diesel. But the lower running costs of their trucks quickly make them cheaper than the new diesel.

However, that involves the two budgets, purchase their truck at a higher cost, but only if the LA's can link some costs to the running/maintenance budget.

So we don't just need the better BEV's, but also a 'big(ger) picture' view from some companies and organisations. [But still positive news in the long run.]


*Being the boring nerd that I am, I asked if the frame, cab and specialist body of these trucks was built to last long term. They said yes. Whilst they will refit the cab, and overhaul the body and hydraulics, the trucks are built like tanks to take abuse and a bashing. So it's the engines and gearboxes that wear. So they are perfectly fine for re-use to BEV.

Janus do this in Oz for full size diesel trucks. Ideally, when it's time for the major overhaul of the engine/gearbox, which is expensive. And also Edison Motors in Canada who convert specialist trucks like log haulers.

Mart wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2024 10:16 am
Digression, but I went to the Everything Electric show a month back, and had a chat with a company that convert old rubbish trucks to diesel*.

to diesel ?

I've heard that they run diesel trains on electrified lines in the UK because diesel is cheaper than electricity...

Stinsy wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2024 12:47 pm I've heard that they run diesel trains on electrified lines in the UK because diesel is cheaper than electricity...

Not to mention running EV charging points at Mway service stations from diesel generators (presumably as an interim measure). Or is this an urban myth?

sharpener wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2024 1:28 pm

Stinsy wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2024 12:47 pm I've heard that they run diesel trains on electrified lines in the UK because diesel is cheaper than electricity...

Not to mention running EV charging points at Mway service stations from diesel generators (presumably as an interim measure). Or is this an urban myth?

I'm not so worried about that!

The EV will be charged from the grid 99% of the time. If a service station provides diesel-powered rapid charging as an interim measure while they await a sufficient grid connection that's fine with me. Otherwise you're saying that anyone who holidays in the UK cannot drive an EV because it isn't suitable for that trip to Cornwall once a year.

There is nothing to be gained from being puritanical about it.

Stinsy wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2024 1:36 pm
Otherwise you're saying that anyone who holidays in the UK cannot drive an EV because it isn't suitable for that trip to Cornwall once a year.

Is still an issue. Even though I have an EV there are occasions e.g. complicated trip Devon - Cambridge - funeral in York - singing in Doncaster Minster and return where I don't need the hassle/uncertainty so use 10 y/o VW Polo.

Was interested to read details of Kia E3, range of >300 miles is slowly creeping down the EV price range now. Pity it is too wide as a replacement for the Polo though, that is a really good package on a small chassis and can still take 3 big bags of garden waste to the tip.