Hitachi Rail is leading a new public-private partnership to develop next-generation battery technology for intercity and commuter trains.
The collaboration aims to create a smaller, more powerful battery pack for trains, improving on previous designs and enhancing rail efficiency.
The partnership includes Innovate UK, the University of Birmingham, and DB ESG.
The new battery pack will be 40% smaller and offer a 22% improvement in energy density compared to its predecessor.
This advancement is achieved using Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry, which allows the battery to be installed on commuter and suburban trains without compromising power.
Turntide Technologies, based in Sunderland, is supplying its developments in automotive battery technology to support the project.
A smaller battery design will enable the rollout of trains with lower floors, facilitating easier access for all passengers and promoting inclusivity. The compact design also reduces train weight and simplifies maintenance, further enhancing operational efficiency.
“The acceleration of battery innovation is incredible. This is why at Hitachi, we use our expertise from Italy, Japan, and the UK to ensure our partners remain at the forefront of battery technology.
“This continuous improvement means we are always working on the next generation of smaller and more powerful batteries to reduce cost on railways by negating electrification infrastructure spend or removing diesel engines entirely.”
DB ESG will design the battery enclosure, focusing on fire protection, cooling, and electrical integration.
Meanwhile, the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) is optimising the battery’s design and performance through simulations on UK routes, validating its effectiveness in non-electrified areas and supporting decarbonisation of the rail sector.
This 1.4 million GBP research and development project is co-funded by Innovate UK and the private sector. It supports the growth of UK battery innovation and fosters new skills in the sector, particularly at the University of Birmingham, which will enhance its railway simulator and knowledge base for students.
“This proposed project includes a comprehensive research programme aimed at optimising the design and the usage of the battery when the train travels in the non-electrified parts of the network. We will provide our expertise with railway simulations to investigate the routes for which batteries are the most effective in replacing diesel trains. This will accelerate the decarbonisation of rail transport in the regional sector, benefiting many passengers in the UK who use the train for work and for social activities.”
The project builds on Hitachi’s existing battery technology, including trials of an intercity battery system. The new technology is part of Hitachi’s vision to digitalise battery solutions, optimise usage, reduce emissions, and offer tailored ‘battery as a service’ solutions for rail customers globally.
The ultimate goal is to expand battery use to trains around the world, potentially creating a UK export opportunity and significantly improving energy efficiency in rail transport.
The next-generation battery technology will be showcased at InnoTrans in Berlin from 24-27 September.
