Is that duplex TGV train powered with diesel locomotives?
Which brings up an observation all too frequently seen on train forums.
Why do most American railroads use diesel power vs electric power locomotives?
The price for diesel fuel in the USA averages $3 per gallon, $0.79 per liter, or E0.72 per liter
The prices for diesel fuel in France averages $5.98 per gallon, $1.58 per liter, or E1.44 per liter.
Both data points discovered by a quick google search, conversions using google as well.
That's the retail price for diesel at the pump, railroads buy diesel by the truckload at wholesale prices.
The observation I see most Europeans do is assume fuel prices in America is just as expensive as in Europe. That assumption is a major error, because fuel prices in America are usually half of that in Europe. When the cost of power or fuel is a significant share of the costs of doing business, that magnifies those costs differences. What may be economical in America may not be in Europe, and likewise for the opposite.
Which brings up an observation all too frequently seen on train forums.
Why do most American railroads use diesel power vs electric power locomotives?
The price for diesel fuel in the USA averages $3 per gallon, $0.79 per liter, or E0.72 per liter
The prices for diesel fuel in France averages $5.98 per gallon, $1.58 per liter, or E1.44 per liter.
Both data points discovered by a quick google search, conversions using google as well.
That's the retail price for diesel at the pump, railroads buy diesel by the truckload at wholesale prices.
The observation I see most Europeans do is assume fuel prices in America is just as expensive as in Europe. That assumption is a major error, because fuel prices in America are usually half of that in Europe. When the cost of power or fuel is a significant share of the costs of doing business, that magnifies those costs differences. What may be economical in America may not be in Europe, and likewise for the opposite.
Last edited by CRail on Thu Oct 10, 2019 2:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Unnecessary quote removed.