An intercity battery-powered train has commenced testing on the national rail network in the UK through a collaboration between TransPennine Express (TPE), Angel Trains, and Hitachi Rail.
This eight-week testing phase follows successful low-speed trials conducted at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe facility, where the train operated solely on battery power, producing no emissions.
The trials will cover routes from York to Manchester Airport and from Leeds to Liverpool Lime Street. Various performance aspects of the battery system will be assessed, including its ability to handle gradients, regenerative braking, potential fuel and emission savings, and the effectiveness of a zero-emission mode while at stations.
“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.”
This is the first UK trial where a diesel engine has been replaced with a battery on an intercity train.
The battery, retrofitted onto one of TPE’s ‘Nova 1’ Class 802 trains, delivers a peak power of over 700 kW. Its use could lead to a 30% reduction in emissions and fuel costs.
The technology also has the potential to lower infrastructure costs by minimising the need for overhead electrification in tunnels and complex junctions.
To enable this trial, Hitachi Rail has invested more than 15 million GBP in a partnership with Turntide Technologies, which specialises in vehicle powertrain components.
