Hitachi’s intercity battery train has begun testing on the national rail network, the new train planned to trail on routes between York to Manchester Airport and Leeds to Liverpool Lime Street over the next eight weeks.
Rail network testing is taking place after the battery train successfully completed low speed tests on the test track at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe manufacturing facility.
During these tests the train was propelled entirely by the battery, producing zero tailpipe emissions.
Tests taking place will include monitoring the battery’s ability to improve performance on hills, regenerative charging via braking, fuel and emission savings, and zero-emission battery mode in train stations.
Head of Hitachi’s green technologies programme, Paul Newlove, 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 battery, which generates a peak power of more than 700kw, is predicted to reduce emissions and fuel costs by as much as 30% on a Hitachi intercity train.
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It will also demonstrate how battery technology can reduce costs in the railways by reducing the need for overhead wires in tunnel sections and over complex junctions.
The trial also aims to support the UK battery sector and green growth, with Hitachi Rail investing over £15m to develop this technology with Turntide Technologies in Sunderland.
Engineering, safety and sustainability director at TransPennine Express, Paul Staples, 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.”
Achievements and innovations in rail will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.ukto learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector
