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Western Railroad Discussion > Traction motors


Date: 07/03/26 21:08
Traction motors
Author: Auburnrail

Just a question for those in the electric car or locomotive business. 
With some  electric cars now approaching 1,000 hp with 2
electric motors, my question is about the difference between 
a locomotive traction motor, which I have seen is much larger
and heavier than could ever be packaged in a car, and the equivalent 
HP motor in a car?
TIA.
George Andrassy 

 



Date: 07/03/26 22:01
Re: Traction motors
Author: SD45X

GE AC C4 doing about 1100 hp per axle



Date: 07/03/26 22:08
Re: Traction motors
Author: sarailfan

There's a substantial difference in the torque output of a traction motor versus the motors in an electric car.

Posted from Android

Darren Boes
Lethbridge, AB
Southern Alberta Railfan



Date: 07/04/26 07:13
Re: Traction motors
Author: NSDTK

Duty cylce plays a major part in this. Car isnt made to produce 1000hp but for a quick moment. Locomotive traction motors are rated for that for hours on end



Date: 07/04/26 09:48
Re: Traction motors
Author: PHall

NSDTK Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Duty cylce plays a major part in this. Car isnt
> made to produce 1000hp but for a quick moment.
> Locomotive traction motors are rated for that for
> hours on end

Locomotive traction motors have forced air cooling when enables them run for hours at very high output.



Date: 07/04/26 20:57
Re: Traction motors
Author: Auburnrail

Thanks fir all who replied. My basic question was why are
locomotive motors so large and heavy compared to
rquivalent horsepower electric car motors?



Date: 07/04/26 22:29
Re: Traction motors
Author: PHall

Auburnrail Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks fir all who replied. My basic question was
> why are
> locomotive motors so large and heavy compared to
> rquivalent horsepower electric car motors?

Because they have a much, much higher power output.  420,000 pound locomotive vs 8,000 pound car.



Date: 07/05/26 10:26
Re: Traction motors
Author: timz

Higher torque, he must mean. Can't get more torque without more copper.



Date: 07/06/26 15:34
Re: Traction motors
Author: NSDTK

Have to have a large heavy motor to handle the 100% high amperage duty cycle . A smaller motor would overheat and melt under such demand. 



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