Correction: This isn't an excuse, but it came over the newswire with the exact phrase "world's first hybrid train." But the newswire was quite wrong, and I should've checked. Japan's JR East launched a hybrid train with lithium ion battery packs and regenerative braking earlier this year. Bury it on Digg if you must :-). Anyhow...on with the article:
A hybrid electric train built by Bombardier just took its inaugural trip in France. Diesel locomotives have always been a kind of hybrid -- their diesel engines charge batteries which power a gigantic electric motor. But this new train can run on electric power from any source available (not just the engine.) The trains will be charged with grid power, and will produce roughly 20% less CO2 than non-hybrid versions.
Already, France has ordered 144 of the hybrid locomotives for placement throughout its rail system. Admittedly, here in America, we'd be happy to see any mass transit at all, let alone extra-efficient transit. But we can still be happy for the French and their new spiffy engines.
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