Limitation of the toxic substances emission into the atmosphere in transport is one of the main priorities of the European Commission. The transport is increasingly contributing to air pollution. The alternative sources of energy and popularization of the sustainable ways of traveling and freight transport are the solution to this problem. This will allow not only to limit the pollutant emissions and reduce the fuel consumption, but also to reduce the operating costs of rail vehicles. In this article the authors analysed the structural solutions of hybrid drives in the rail vehicles and carried out an assessment of these solutions in terms of functionality and operation. As a result of the carried out analysis, the concept of hybrid drives for the basic series of diesel locomotives operated in Poland was presented.