Systems and methods for generating power in a vehicle

Various systems 100 and method for generating electrical power in a rail vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a vehicle system 100 includes an electrical power generation unit 114 operatively coupled with a drive shaft of an engine 106. The electrical power generation unit includes a traction alternator 116 and a head-end-power (HEP) alternator 118. The traction alternator is excited by power electronics positioned external to the traction alternator. The HEP alternator is self-excited by an exciter winding positioned in the HEP alternator.