Trial begins on UK first intercity battery train

Hitachi Rail has begun testing of the UK’s first intercity battery train in a a collaboration withTransPennine Express and Angel Trains.

Peaking at a power of over 700 kilowatts, the battery unit has been retrofitted onto a TransPennine Express Class 802 “Nova 1” train. If the trial is successful, the technology will be tested on a variety of Transpennine routes this summer.

The battery unit has been developed by Turntide Technologies in Sunderland and will deliver the same levels of high-speed acceleration and performance as a diesel engine but has no difference in weight, meaning it has the capacity to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions and costs by nearly 30%.

Jim Brewin, chief director UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail, said: “Hitachi has invested more than £15 million in research and development to deliver a ‘UK first’ in battery train technology.

“Collaborating closely with our partners, Angel Trains and TransPennine Express, we are committed to showcasing how the rail industry can significantly lower costs and emissions. This is an important next step towards a more energy efficient and greener railway.”

For passengers, the trial will test the capability of how intercity trains enter and leave non-electrified stations alongside monitoring the noise pollution the train emits. It will also help to prove the business case for a 100% battery-electric intercity train which could prove crucial for rolling stock companies and Network Rail by reducing infrastructure costs and improving overall battery range to 100 kilometres.

Matthew Prosser, asset management director at Angel Trains, said: “This project represents a significant investment in one of our newest fleets.

It will both support and draw upon the skilled jobs and expertise at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe facility and enable us to demonstrate how battery retrofit technology can help us decarbonise our railways.”

Hybrid and electric models have been used in Europe successfully already with the Masaccio model in Italy cutting carbon emissions by 50% after being rolled out in 2022. Hitachi Rail are planning on rolling out the EuroMasaccio model across Europe by 2026.