Abstract: A method of bridging a gap in an external electrical power supply line without stalling using an electrically powered rail propulsion vehicle includes using an electrically powered rail propulsion vehicle to propel a consist, the electrically powered rail propulsion vehicle configured to run as an emission-free pure electric unit from the external electrical power supply line; determining if a gap in the external electrical power supply line condition occurs; and supplying electric power from one or more ultracapacitor packs to run the electrically powered rail propulsion vehicle if a gap condition is determined to occur.

Abstract: A braking regeneration and propulsion system for a passive rail car including an axle with wheels includes a gear box to be operatively coupled to the axle; a motor/generator operatively coupled to the gear box; an energy storage for storing captured energy and supplying energy; and a control computer to assist deceleration of the passive rail car by causing the axle to drive the motor/generator via the gear box and supply energy to the energy storage system during deceleration, and, assist acceleration of the passive rail car by causing the motor/generator to draw energy from the energy storage system and drive the wheels via the gear box and axle during acceleration.