UK's first Intercity battery train hits the tracks

Main line tests have started on the nation's first intercity battery train. The class 802 bi-mode unit has seen one of its engines replaced and retrofitted with batteries, a first for the UK rail network.

The battery-powered train, a collaboration between TransPennine Express (TPE), Hitachi Rail and Angel Trains (the unit’s owner) will be undergoing rigorous testing on routes between York to Manchester Airport and Leeds to Liverpool Lime Street over the next eight weeks. As part of the tests, the battery's performance on hills, its regenerative braking capabilities, as well as its fuel efficiency will be analysed.

Prior to its national rail debut, the train successfully completed low-speed tests on the test track at Hitachi Rail's Newton Aycliffe manufacturing facility, demonstrating its potential to operate entirely on battery power, producing zero tailpipe emissions.  

The battery itself boasts a peak power of over 700kW, and is anticipated to reduce emissions and fuel costs by up to 30% on 802s. Additionally, part of the trials will include an aim to demonstrate how battery technology can reduce costs further by minimising the need for overhead wires in tunnel sections and over complex junctions. It will also be measured on its dwell-time performance at stations and its performance capabilities entering and leaving stations with non-electrified lines.

Paul Staples, Engineering, Safety, and Sustainability Director at TransPennine Express, expressed enthusiasm for the trial, stating, "This trial is a monumental step towards reducing CO2 emissions in the UK rail industry and beyond. TPE is committed to making our journeys greener by reducing our carbon footprint, building resilience to climate change, and improving local air quality."

Hitachi Rail has invested over £15 million to develop this pioneering technology in partnership with Turntide Technologies in Sunderland and believe that if the trials are successful, the battery-electric 802s will be capable of running up to 60 miles on batteries.

Matthew Prosser, Asset Management Director at Angel Trains, said: "Following the success of one of our Class 802 trains running entirely in battery-mode at Newton Aycliffe, we're excited to see how this technology performs on the national rail network," Prosser said.

Paul Newlove, Head of Green Technologies Programme, emphasised the significance of the trial in proving the benefits of battery technology for passengers, operators, and policymakers. "This part of the trial is going to be truly exciting as we start to demonstrate the positive impact of this green technology on emissions, fuel costs, and air quality," he stated.