Hitachi Rail began testing the UK’s first intercity battery train earlier today. The battery, which generates over 700kW of peak power, has been successfully retrofitted onto a TransPennine Express ‘Nova 1’ train (five-carriage intercity Class 802). This trial, scheduled for TransPennine routes this summer, is the UK’s first instance of replacing a diesel engine with a battery on an intercity train.
The trial is a joint effort between TransPennine Express, Angel Trains, and Hitachi Rail. The single battery unit is powerful enough to store electricity for more than 75 houses for a day. This impressive energy and power density ensures high-speed acceleration and performance comparable to the diesel engine it replaces, without adding extra weight.
Installing the battery is expected to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency, potentially cutting emissions and fuel costs by up to 30% on a Hitachi intercity train. For passengers, the trial will demonstrate how intercity trains can enter, alight, and depart non-electrified stations in zero-emission battery mode, enhancing air quality and reducing noise pollution.
Manufactured by Turntide Technologies in Sunderland, the battery leverages the North East of England’s growing battery sector. The trial will provide real-world evidence to support the business case for a fully battery-electric intercity train capable of running up to 100km in battery mode. This significant range suggests that battery technology could soon cover the final non-electrified segments of intercity routes, reducing the need for overhead wires in tunnels and complex junctions.
Angel Trains, the owner of the Class 802 units, views this investment in Hitachi Rail’s product as vital. The benefits extend to the North East and the broader rail industry, highlighting the importance of private sector investment in cutting-edge technology for the success of UK rail.
The trial and the industrial opportunities it presents for battery trains signify that rail can contribute to the growth of the domestic battery sector.
Paul Staples, Engineering, Safety and Sustainability Director at TransPennine Express, said:
“We’re really pleased to be a part of this innovative and critically important trial of battery technology.
“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.”
Matthew Prosser, Asset Management Director at Angel Trains, said:
“This project represents a significant investment in one of our newest fleets. It will both support and draw upon the skilled jobs and expertise at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe facility and enable us to demonstrate how battery retrofit technology can help us decarbonise our railways.”
Jim Brewin, Chief Director UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail, said:
“Hitachi has invested more than £15 million in research and development to deliver a ‘UK first’ in battery train technology. 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. This is an important next step towards a more energy efficient and greener railway.”
The development of the battery exemplifies the strong engineering alliance between Japan and the UK. Hitachi Rail invested over £15 million to co-develop the battery system with Turntide Technologies in the North East.
After assembly, the battery pack was shipped to Japan, where Hitachi’s battery train experts, who previously delivered the world’s first passenger battery train in 2016, conducted rigorous testing.
The successful completion of testing in Japan paved the way for a collaborative effort in the UK rail industry. Angel Trains, TransPennine Express, and Hitachi Rail joined forces to help decarbonize and modernize the railways.
Mark Cox, General Manager of Turntide Technologies transport business unit said: “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.
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. We believe this clean technology will revolutionise the rail industry, not only in the UK but around the globe.”
The development of the battery exemplifies the strong engineering alliance between Japan and the UK. Hitachi Rail invested over £15 million to co-develop the battery system with Turntide Technologies in the North East.
After assembly, the battery pack was shipped to Japan, where Hitachi’s battery train experts, who previously delivered the world’s first passenger battery train in 2016, conducted rigorous testing.
The successful completion of testing in Japan paved the way for a collaborative effort in the UK rail industry. Angel Trains, TransPennine Express, and Hitachi Rail joined forces to help decarbonize and modernize the railways.
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