Friday, August 30, 2024 Earlier this week, the UK embarked on a pivotal stage of rail innovation by initiating tests on its first-ever intercity battery train on the national rail network. This groundbreaking development will test the innovative battery-powered train on selected routes, including York to Manchester Airport and Leeds to Liverpool Lime Street over an eight-week trial period. Sporting a unique livery, the train highlights the collaborative efforts of TransPennine Express (TPE), Angel Trains, and Hitachi Rail.
The series of rigorous tests slated to occur will evaluate the battery’s ability to enhance hill performance, capture energy through regenerative braking, and contribute to significant reductions in fuel use and emissions, especially with its zero-emission mode at train stations. The inception of these crucial tests follows successful preliminary trials at low speeds on Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe test track, where the train operated solely on battery power, emitting no tailpipe pollutants. Marking a national first, this trial replaces a diesel engine with a battery on a ‘Nova 1’ intercity Class 802 train from TPE, converting it to a five-carriage marvel.
This battery, capable of delivering over 700kw of peak power, is anticipated to slash emissions and operational costs by up to 30% for Hitachi’s intercity trains, while also showcasing potential cost reductions in railway infrastructure through minimized need for overhead electric lines at tun.