How much does an electric locomotive cost?

How much does a real locomotive cost?

• Answer:

  Prices vary greatly depending on type (AC or DC power); electronics; power distribution systems; the load rating; and with the number of locomotives purchased. A single AC locomotive with options can cost $2.3 million, while a large railroad recently purchased 200 'bare bones' units for $1.75 million each. Low-end AC units can be had for a little as $1.4 million. Modern locomotives are good for about a million miles before major overhaul. At this point they are often traded in on new ones, and the manufacturer will rebuild the old unit and sell it to a smaller railroad for about half of what a new one costs. In addition to the purchase price, the average locomotive costs about $35,000 a year for fuel and preventative maintenance.