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 tunnels and complex junctions. Paul Staples, Engineering, Safety and Sustainability Director at TransPennine Express, said: “ This trial is a huge step towards the rail industry in the UK – and around the world reducing CO2 emissions and we are excited to be part of it. “TPE is dedicated to making our journeys greener by reducing our carbon footprint, creating resilience to climate change and improving local air quality.
” Matthew Prosser, Asset Management Director at Angel Trains , said: “Following the success of one of our Class 802 trains running entirely in battery-mode at Newton Aycliffe, we’re excited to see how this technology performs on the national rail network. This project represents a multimillion-pound joint investment by Angel Trains and Hitachi 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.
” Paul Newlove , Head of Green Technologies Programme said: “ After seeing the train running entirely in battery-mode at Newton Aycliffe, I can’t wait to see how this technology can reduce emissions, reduce fuel costs and improve air quality on the Transpennine route. “This part of the trial is going to be really exciting because we start to prove the benefits of this green technology for passengers, operators and policy makers. “It has been such a team effort, with colleagues in Japan, Italy and UK working together for years to finally reach this important stage.
” The project not only underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering its battery sector and promoting sustainable development but also involves a £15 million investment by Hitachi Rail and Turntide Technologies in Sunderland to further this technology. Drawing from Hitachi’s international experience, which includes launching the first passenger battery train in Japan and Europe’s initial battery hybrid train in Italy in 2022, this venture is part of a broader initiative to advance and potentially export this technology globally, enhancing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Moreover, this endeavor is set against a backdrop of global necessity to decarbonize diesel-powered trains, a key component in achieving net zero emissions targets.
Similar initiatives like Italy’s Masaccio have already halved CO2 emissions compared to traditional diesel engines, illustrating the transformative potential of replacing diesel with efficient battery solutions to facilitate cost-effective, partial railway electrification worldwide..
