Railway batteries are typically used for rolling stock or stationary applications. Rolling stock batteries are used for locomotive starting, lighting, on board auxiliary system in engines and coaches. Stationary batteries are used as emergency backup power for railroad crossings, signal towers and signaling systems.

Tomorrow’s locomotives may be able to transport goods across the nation while also being more fuel efficient, polluting less, and operating more quietly in sensitive areas. The full deployment of advanced rechargeable battery technology could make this possible. The diesel-electric (DE) locomotive has issues such as air pollution, noise pollution, fuel costs, and extensive periodic maintenance requirements. It also has lower energy efficiencies than all-electric locomotives; the DE accelerative force is low in medium and high speed areas, which leads to low running performance; and diesel generator units are poorly utilized, mostly operating below the optimal specific fuel consumption region.