Which inventor developed the first practical electric locomotive, demonstrated in 1879?

Werner von Siemens developed the first practical electric locomotive, demonstrated in 1879.

Siemens presented the locomotive at the Berlin Industrial Exhibition in 1879. A small electric motor drove the locomotive, while electricity reached it through a central rail. The demonstration railway carried visitors and showed that electric power could move rail vehicles without steam combustion onboard.

The locomotive’s motor produced about 2.2 kilowatts and pulled three small cars around a circular track. Although it was an exhibition system rather than a full railway, it proved the feasibility of electric traction and attracted substantial public attention.

Earlier inventors had built electric motors and experimental vehicles, so Siemens was not the first person to imagine electric transport. His importance lies in combining electric traction, a generator-based supply, and a working railway demonstration. Siemens later contributed to electric railway development in several countries.