Friday, August 30, 2024 UK launches groundbreaking trials for battery-powered intercity trains, marking a major step forward in sustainable and efficient rail travel. The UK’s groundbreaking intercity battery-powered train has started trials on the national rail network this week. This significant development will see battery technology tested on routes connecting York to Manchester Airport and Leeds to Liverpool Lime Street over the next two months.
The train is easily identifiable by its distinctive new livery, symbolizing the partnership between TransPennine Express (TPE), Angel Trains, and Hitachi Rail. Throughout the trial period, various critical assessments will be conducted, including evaluating the battery’s capability to enhance hill performance, regenerative braking for charging, reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, and the ability to operate in zero-emission battery mode within train stations. These rail network trials follow the successful completion of low-speed tests at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe manufacturing site, where the train was powered solely by the battery, producing no tailpipe emissions.
This marks the first UK initiative where a diesel engine has been swapped out for a battery on an intercity train. A battery has been effectively integrated into one of TPE’s ‘Nova 1’ trains (a five-carriage intercity Class 802). Boasting a peak power output exceeding 700kw, the battery is expected to cut emissions and fuel costs by up to 30% .