Photo: Hitachi Rail
A “UK-first” battery test train has proven that single battery technology can effectively outperform diesel engines.
Hitachi Rail, Angel Trains, and TransPennine Express recently completed the trial, which took place in the north of England. It has proven that energy-efficient batteries offer significant benefits for carbon emissions, fuel economy, and air quality.
Hitachi has already released passenger battery trains in Japan and Europe, such as the Masaccio hybrid in Italy. An intercity battery test train in the UK has shown that a 700 kW battery can push a train over 75 mph and power it over 70 km. The battery equals the weight of the diesel engine and is placed in the same area of the undercarriage, ensuring no risk of track collapse and no impact on passenger space.
The battery test train delivered better than expected fuel saving results, reducing fuel costs by 35-50%. Another key way it achieved this was through “Eco-mode” where the battery-powered parts of the router are fully functional, indicating that the technology is ready for use in the real world.
This success gives Hitachi the green light to move on to a full-scale intercity electric train, with a range of 100-150 km. That would allow key parts of non-electric routes to run on battery power, avoiding the need for expensive infrastructure such as overhead cables in tunnels or stations.
UK Rail Minister Lord Hendy said:
Rail has become the most environmentally friendly form of public transport, and the success of this research will pave the way for greener, more reliable travel for millions of passengers.
This technology will play a key role as we roll out our ambitious plans to transform and decarbonize rail, and could open the door to cost-effective expansion of the network to communities across the country.
Hitachi Rail is the only rail manufacturer developing a battery product using the UK's battery supply chain, and is working with Innovate UK and the University of Birmingham to develop next-generation battery technology.
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