A groundbreaking trial of the UK’s first intercity battery train commenced earlier today in a major step towards decarbonising the rail industry. The powerful 700kW battery has been successfully retrofitted onto a TransPennine Express ‘Nova 1’ intercity train, replacing one of the diesel engines.
This retrofit marks the first time a diesel engine has been swapped for a battery on an intercity train in the UK. The trial is a collaboration between TransPennine Express, rolling stock leasing company Angel Trains, and rail manufacturer Hitachi Rail.
The single battery unit packs an impressive punch, storing enough electricity to power over 75 homes for an entire day. Despite this energy density, the battery is no heavier than the diesel engine it replaces, allowing for the same high-speed performance.
By replacing diesel with battery power, emissions and fuel costs are predicted to be reduced by up to 30% on the Hitachi intercity trains. Crucially for passengers, the zero-emission battery mode will allow trains to enter and exit non-electrified stations without air and noise pollution.
The battery was manufactured in Sunderland by Turntide Technologies, tapping into the rising battery sector in the North East of England. The real-world trial data will inform the business case for developing 100% battery-electric intercity trains capable of running up to 100km on battery power alone.
This battery range could allow final non-electrified sections of intercity routes to be served without overhead wiring, reducing infrastructure costs. It also showcases how batteries could bypass complex junctions and tunnels that are challenging to electrify.
Angel Trains, who own the retrofitted Class 802 train units, see the Hitachi battery investment as vitally important for both the North East’s rail industry and the UK’s decarbonization efforts.
TransPennine Express Engineering Director Paul Staples said: “We’re really pleased to trial this innovative and critical battery technology on our network, as we look for more sustainable rail solutions.”
Matthew Prosser, Asset Director at Angel Trains, highlighted: “This project supports skilled jobs at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe facility while demonstrating how battery retrofits can help decarbonize railways.”
The GBP15 million battery development is the product of a Japan-UK engineering alliance. Following robust testing in Japan, Hitachi’s experts worked with UK partners to integrate the technology.
Turntide General Manager Mark Cox stated: “We’re incredibly proud that this high-performance battery, co-developed with Hitachi, was produced at our Sunderland facility, highlighting our role in the UK’s industrial landscape.”
Hitachi Rail’s UK Director Jim Brewin said: “Collaborating closely with partners, we’re committed to showcasing how the rail industry can significantly lower costs and emissions through battery trains.”
Building on its world-first battery train in Japan and Europe’s first hybrid in Italy, Hitachi aims to roll out its intercity battery across the UK and globally as a low-cost way to decarbonize the thousands of diesel trains currently in service.