Angel Trains, Hitachi Rail, and TransPennine Express have successfully concluded a groundbreaking trial of battery-powered intercity trains in the UK. The trial demonstrated the potential of battery technology to revolutionise rail travel, offering significant environmental and economic benefits.
Key Achievements of the Trial:
- Significant Fuel Savings: The battery technology achieved fuel savings of 35-50%, surpassing initial projections.
- Zero-Emission Operation: The train successfully operated in battery-only mode, enabling quieter and cleaner journeys.
- Performance and Reliability: The battery system met all performance requirements, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: By eliminating diesel emissions, the battery technology contributes to improved air quality and reduced noise pollution.
The successful trial paves the way for the introduction of fully battery-powered intercity trains in the UK. This technology offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution for decarbonising the railway network, particularly on non-electrified lines.
Hitachi Rail’s investment in UK battery technology has not only created jobs but also strengthened the domestic supply chain. By partnering with companies like Turntide Technologies, Hitachi Rail is driving innovation and supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “Rail is already the most environmentally friendly form of public transport, and the success of this trial will pave the way for even greener, more reliable journeys for millions of passengers.
“This technology will play a vital role as we deliver our ambitious plans to transform and decarbonise the railways, and it could open the door to a more affordable expansion of the network for communities across the country.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “Hitachi’s investment and innovation in battery technology shows the rail industry and manufacturing has a bright future in the North East. The North East is synonymous with invention and the successful test of battery operated trains provides a strong vote of confidence in our region.
“We are the region that brought coal-powered engines to the world; now we’re delivering clean trains, which will help us build the greenest public transport in the country and deliver our transition to net zero. We are building our reputation as a world-leader in electric vehicles and battery tech, and this demonstrates how companies like Hitachi and their skilled workforce can play a leading role in the unlocking prosperity and opportunity for the region and nation.
Jim Brewin, Chief Director of UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail said: “Everyone should be immensely proud of creating battery technology that had zero failures during the entire trial. Using our global expertise, Hitachi Rail has created new technology which means the greenest mode of transport, just got greener.
“Investing £17 million in new clean technology, we are ready to deliver both new or retrofitted battery intercity fleets. Not only will this provide cheaper, greener and reliable railway journeys, but it will also create a new advanced manufacturing opportunity to support the North East’s Industrial Strategy.
Ahead of the 200-year anniversary of Stockton-Darlington railway, it seems fitting that Hitachi has created the rail technology of the future, right here in the birthplace of the modern railway.”
Malcolm Brown, Chief Executive Officer at Angel Trains said: “This multimillion-pound investment by Angel Trains and Hitachi Rail has shown the benefits that battery technology can deliver on existing and new fleets, driving forward a greener mode of transport that benefits passengers and the environment.
“I would like to give a huge thank you to both Hitachi Rail and TransPennine Express. We’re proud to have supported skilled jobs and the supply chain in the North East and look forward to continuing to invest in technology, trains and infrastructure that create a greener more cost-effective railway.”
Hitachi Rail’s experience in developing and deploying battery-powered trains extends beyond the UK. The company’s Masaccio train, operating in Italy, has already demonstrated the benefits of battery technology in reducing emissions and improving efficiency.
