An electric locomotive, also known as an electric train, refers to a train that draws electrical energy from a power supply network (contact network) or a power supply rail, and then drives the vehicle through an electric motor. The electric energy required for the operation of electric locomotives is provided by the electric power supply system of the electrified railway, while the electric drive diesel locomotives and gas locomotives that carry the electric energy and devices themselves are not in the category of electric locomotives.
Electric locomotives were the product of the second industrial revolution, but it was not until the third industrial revolution that there was a super-large-scale development that was the main force of modern trains. Electric locomotives have many advantages, and their overall performance is much stronger than that of steam locomotives and diesel locomotives. They are not only widely used in the operation of trunk railways, but also serve almost all urban rail transit. Nowadays, most of the world countries have started the construction of electrified railways, popularized the use of electric locomotives, and vigorously developed more advanced electric locomotives.
