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Hitachi Rail and TransPennine Express have marked a significant milestone in rail sector decarbonisation by replacing a diesel engine on a UK intercity train with a battery for the first time.
Announced today, the trial involves retrofitting a battery that generates peak power of over 700kw and stores enough electricity to power more than 75 houses for a day onto a five-carriage TransPennine Express' Nova 1' train. This pilot project will precede a broader rollout on northern England and Scotland routes this summer.
The battery, manufactured by Turntide Technologies in Sunderland, is expected to reduce emissions and fuel costs by up to 30 per cent. It delivers the same levels of acceleration and performance as the diesel engine it replaces while maintaining the same weight.
The trial aims to provide real-world evidence supporting the viability of a 100 per cent electric intercity train capable of running up to 100km in battery mode. Additionally, it will showcase how battery technology can lower infrastructure costs by minimising the need for overhead wires in tunnels or complex junctions.
Moreover, the trial will evaluate the capability of intercity trains to enter and depart non-electrified stations in zero-emission battery mode, thereby enhancing air quality and reducing noise pollution.
"We're really pleased to be a part of this innovative and critically important trial of battery technology," said Paul Staples, engineering, safety, and sustainability director at TransPennine Express. "We take our environmental responsibilities seriously and are constantly looking at ways of making rail travel even more sustainable and efficient.
"This trial will allow us to assess the exciting new technology on our Nova 1 train. We're looking forward to seeing the results and how well the batteries work on our network."
The battery's development exemplifies the strong Japan-UK engineering alliance, with Hitachi Rail investing over £15 million to co-develop the system with Turntide Technologies.
After assembly in the UK, the battery was shipped to Japan for rigorous testing by experts who pioneered the world's first passenger battery train in 2016 and facilitated the rollout of Europe's first battery hybrid train in Italy in 2022.
"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," said Jim Brewin, chief director for UK and Ireland at Hitachi Rail. "This is an important next step towards a more energy efficient and greener railway."
Mark Cox, general manager of Turntide Technologies transport business unit, forecast the clean technology could revolutionise the rail industry around the globe. "We are incredibly proud to be part of this ground-breaking project, co-developing one of the world's most powerful passenger train batteries with our esteemed partners at Hitachi Rail," he said. "The successful development and production of this high-performance battery at our Sunderland facility further highlights the key role we play in the UK's industrial landscape."
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