Trials Begin on UK’s First Intercity Battery Train

Hitachi Rail has started testing the UK’s first intercity battery train, a significant milestone in sustainable rail travel. The train, a retrofitted TransPennine Express Class 802 "Nova 1," features a battery peaking at over 700 kilowatts. This project is a collaboration between TransPennine Express, Angel Trains, and Hitachi Rail.

If successful, the train will be trialed on Transpennine routes this summer. Developed by Turntide Technologies in Sunderland, the battery unit offers the same high-speed acceleration and performance as a diesel engine without adding extra weight. This innovation promises to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions and costs by nearly 30%.

Jim Brewin, chief director UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail, stated, "Hitachi has invested more than £15 million in research and development to deliver a ‘UK first’ in battery train technology. Collaborating with Angel Trains and TransPennine Express, we aim to demonstrate how the rail industry can significantly lower costs and emissions, moving towards a more energy-efficient and greener railway."

The trial will assess how well the intercity train handles entering and leaving non-electrified stations and monitor noise pollution. It will also help build the business case for a fully battery-electric intercity train, potentially reducing infrastructure costs and extending the battery range to 100 kilometers.

Matthew Prosser, asset management director at Angel Trains, highlighted the project’s importance, saying, "This significant investment in one of our newest fleets supports skilled jobs and expertise at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe facility and demonstrates how battery retrofit technology can help decarbonize our railways."

Hybrid and electric models have already seen success in Europe. For instance, Italy's Masaccio model cut carbon emissions by 50% after its rollout in 2022. Hitachi Rail plans to introduce the EuroMasaccio model across Europe by 2026.