Diesel-electric Heavy Commercial Road Trucks?

Railroads have used d/e power for many decades now. Why hasn't the commercial trucking industry used this same mechanical principle likewise? Railroads started using it from long ago because it is much more efficient than a mechanical transmission for heavy vehicular use. With d/e power, trucks would lose driver-operated clutches and gearshift levers altogether. The d/e traction motors on train locomotives produce a high level of torque at all speeds whether at 1 MPH or 100 MPH.

Why reinvent the wheel? If it ain't broke don't fix it.

I'm pretty sure that the primary reason is weight. Highway trucks have gross vehicle weight constraints that railroads do not. By the time you add up the the diesel engine weight, generator set weight, electric motors and diesel fuel, I'm guessing that you would not have enough useable weight left over to profitably haul freight.

I'm pretty sure that the primary reason is weight. Highway trucks have gross vehicle weight constraints that railroads do not. By the time you add up the the diesel engine weight, generator set weight, electric motors and diesel fuel, I'm guessing that you would not have enough useable weight left over to profitably haul freight.

Greg, thank you. I believe you you nailed it. The restrictions on road vehicle weight that trains aren't concerned with. The automobile, though, has been progressively enjoying hybrid power. I'm sure the hybrid heavy highway truck will come before I'm dead and buried.

Come now, Mr. Rat!

I'm pretty sure that the primary reason is weight. Highway trucks have gross vehicle weight constraints that railroads do not. By the time you add up the the diesel engine weight, generator set weight, electric motors and diesel fuel, I'm guessing that you would not have enough useable weight left over to profitably haul freight.

Greg, thank you. I believe you you nailed it. The restrictions on road vehicle weight that trains aren't concerned with. The automobile, though, has been progressively enjoying hybrid power. I'm sure the hybrid heavy highway truck will come before I'm dead and buried.

If it happens I'm sure you will be alive to see it. Heck if you live to be 100 it's my understanding you'd have another 87-89 years of life left. A lot can happen in that kind of time.