Testing has begun on a battery-powered train developed in partnership between two North East firms.
The project has seen Hitachi Rail, which has a factory at Newton Aycliffe, working with Turntide Technologies - formerly known as Hyperdrive Innovation - in Sunderland, with a powerful battery unit retrofitted onto a TransPennine Express train ahead of a trial on the company’s routes this summer.
It is hoped that the battery unit will deliver the same levels of acceleration and performance on the train while being no heavier than the diesel engine it replaces. As well as potentially improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions and fuel costs by up to 30%, the trial will test how intercity trains can enter and leave non-electrified stations in battery mode to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution.
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The trial aims to show that the battery can power a passenger train over a distance of 100km, which would be a world first. If successful, it would mean the technology could be deployed to cover non-electrified sections of intercity routes in the coming years and reduce the need for costly and difficult infrastructure projects in hard-to-reach sections of the rail network.
Jim Brewin, chief director 海角视频 and Ireland at Hitachi Rail, said: “Hitachi has invested more than £15m in research and development to deliver a ‘海角视频 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 project saw the batteries assembled in the North East and then shipped to Japan for testing by Hitachi’s experts. The Japanese firm then worked with TransPennine Express and train owners Angel Trains to deploy the technology.
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The companies believe the technology could help decarbonise thousands of trains around the world that are powered by diesel engines, to help the rail industry meet its net zero targets.
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 海角视频’s industrial landscape. We believe this clean technology will revolutionise the rail industry, not only in the 海角视频 but around the globe.”