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Takes electrical power from overhead lines or third rails and uses electric motors for propulsion. Examples include the Siemens Velaro series and Bombardier Zefiro.

Operates using bio-diesel as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel fuel. Examples include switching locomotives in eco-friendly rail yards or short lines.

Steam is used to drive a turbine connected to a generator or directly to the wheels. Examples include the Norfolk and Western Jawn Henry and the LMS Turbomotive.

Employs a rotational energy storage device to store kinetic energy which can be used to power the train. Examples are limited to prototypes and research projects.

Utilizes potential energy from descending slopes to propel the train, commonly found in funicular railways. Examples include the Peak Tram in Hong Kong and the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.

Uses photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity to power electric motors. Mainly experimental and used in light, low-speed vehicles like solar trams.

Burns fuel (usually coal, wood, or oil) to boil water in a boiler, producing steam that drives pistons or turbines. Examples include the Union Pacific Big Boy and the Flying Scotsman.

Combines diesel engine with electric battery pack, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Examples include the Bombardier ALP-45DP and the Hitachi Class 800.

Powered exclusively by large onboard batteries, recharged via plug-in or regenerative braking. Examples include the BNSF Railway's battery-electric locomotive project and the China Railway CRRC.

Uses a toothed rack rail between the running rails, meshing with gear wheels on the locomotive to climb steep gradients. Examples include the Mount Washington Cog Railway and the Pilatus Railway.

Uses a stationary power source that moves a steel cable, which in turn pulls the train along the tracks. Examples include the San Francisco cable cars and the Great Orme Tramway.

Employs a mechanical transmission powered by a gas turbine, providing high power-to-weight ratio. Experimental models like the APT-E were early adopters.

Similar to diesel locomotives, but uses fuel oil for steam generation or internal combustion engines. Mainly historical or specific to regions where diesel is less available.

Theoretically would use a nuclear reactor to generate steam or electricity for propulsion, however, no successful implementations exist to date due to safety and security concerns.

Combines diesel and steam technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Very few examples exist due to complexity, such as the British Rail HS4000 Kestrel.

Uses an internal combustion engine to drive electric generators or alternators, which power electric traction motors. Examples include EMD SD70 series and British Rail Class 43.

Uses magnetic levitation for lift and propulsion, thus eliminating friction with the tracks. Examples include the Shanghai Maglev Train and the SCMaglev from Japan.

Employs a gas turbine to drive an electrical generator, which in turn powers the electric motors. Examples include the Union Pacific GTELs and the British Rail GT3.

Combines a diesel engine with electromagnetic regenerative braking to improve energy efficiency. Still in experimental stages with few examples.