Brand new battery technology to be trialled on TransPennine train

First-ever trial in the UK to replace a diesel engine with a battery on an intercity train is underway.

Hitachi Rail has built a battery using the North East supply chain, with one battery unit predicted to reduce emissions and fuel costs by as much as 30%. The battery has now been successfully retrofitted onto a TransPennine Express ‘Nova 1’ train ahead of the trial on Transpennine routes this summer.

This is the first UK trial where a diesel engine is replaced with a battery on an intercity train. The trial is a collaboration between TransPennine Express, Angel Trains, and Hitachi Rail.

It is predicted to reduce emissions and fuel costs by as much as 30% on a Hitachi intercity train. Most importantly for passengers, the trial will test how intercity trains can enter, alight, and leave non-electrified stations in zero-emission battery mode to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution.

Matthew Prosser, Asset Management Director at Angel Trains, said: “This project represents a significant investment 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.”

The trial will provide real-world evidence to inform the business case for a 100% -battery-electric intercity train, capable of running up to 100km in battery mode. This range means this battery technology could be deployed to cover the final non-electrified sections of intercity routes in the coming years. It will also demonstrate how battery technology can reduce infrastructure costs by reducing the need for overhead wires in tunnel sections and over complex junctions.

Jim Brewin, Chief Director UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail, said: “Hitachi has invested more than £15 million in research and development to deliver a ‘UK first’ in battery train technology. Collaborating closely with our partners, Angel Trains and TransPennine Express, we are committed to showcasing how the rail industry can significantly lower costs and emissions. This is an important next step towards a more energy efficient and greener railway.”

The project draws upon Hitachi’s global expertise which includes delivering the world’s first passenger battery train in Japan, and rolling out the Masaccio, Europe’s first battery hybrid train in Italy in 2022.

The evolution of the technology continues at pace with Hitachi Rail recently unveiling its new intercity version of the train, and with a target to roll out a EuroMasaccio in additional European markets, including Germany from 2026.

Find out more here.

Photo Credit: Hitachi Rail