>>2062007I don't know how much of the problem is distribution, in certain parts of the country it probably would be, in others it wouldn't. Many new trunk lines would certainly have to be built.
But the main problem would be adding extra generating capacity. Most utilities are falling behind on that as demand is stripping supply because of immigration, EVs, and data centers. It will take many new plants to meet that demand plus whatever is needed to meet the demands of freight trains. That will add costs for railroads, shippers, and ultimately the public in form of higher prices for goods and electricity.
If they don't electrify, none of that needs to happen - the infrastructure to produce and move diesel fuel around the country already exists.
So again, there's really no economic case for electrification to happen. If there was, railroads would have already done it or plans would be underway to do it.
