Hitachi Rail's intercity battery trial shows better than expected results

Hitachi Rail has said that the results from its intercity battery trial are better than expected. The project, which was led by Hitachi Rail and included partners, Angel Trains and TransPennine Express said the project had demonstrated that battery technology could work across the network and could realise its potential as an alternative traction option.

The trial has been running for several months and has seen a Class 802 TransPennine bi-mode train replacing its diesel engine with a battery power unit. It then had several months of dynamic testing on several routes to understand how effective it could be.

The results showed that significant fuel savings with the train achieving fuel cost savings of up to 50%. Hitachi Rail said that initial projections at the beginning of the trial was 30%. As well as fuel saving benefits, the train also met its journey and performance requirements, as well as exceeding speeds of 75 mph.

Speaking at the event at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe factory to signal the end of the trial, 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.”

The project has included battery technology originally designed by Hitachi Rail but further developed by Turntide Technologies, which is based in Sunderland. It has included significant investment by the project partners. However, other manufacturers in the U.K are also pushing ahead with battery bi-mode trains including Siemens, who is currently discussing replacing aging fleets from multiple operators with its fast-charging battery technology.

Brewin believes that Hitachi’s investment shows alternatives are available, especially when it comes to existing fleets.

“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.”, he added.

This is a similar view held by Malcolm Brown, CEO of Angel Trains, who 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.”

Discussions are ongoing with the government, who it is believed keen to support the development of this project, alongside other green rail projects.

Rail minister, Lord Hendy commented on the completion of the trial: “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.”