Train manufacturer Siemens Mobility says battery-powered trains made at its plant in Goole could help decarbonise the 海角视频鈥檚 rail system.
The company says the new trains could save the 海角视频 rail system 拢3.5bn and take out 12m tonnes of CO2 over 35 years. Its trains would be powered by overhead wires on already electrified routes, then switch to battery power where there are no wires, meaning a lower need for new overhead power lines.
It is now appealing to train companies looking to replace parts of their fleet to choose its vehicles. The call comes just a few days after fellow train manufacturer Hitachi 海角视频 announced new trails of a battery-powered train which it also hopes will be used in the 海角视频.
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Sambit Banerjee, joint CEO for Siemens Mobility 海角视频 and Ireland said: 鈥淏ritain should never have to buy a diesel passenger train again. Our battery trains, which we鈥檇 assemble in our new Goole factory in Yorkshire, can replace Britain鈥檚 aging diesel trains without us having to electrify hundreds of miles more track in the next few years. So, on routes from Perth to Penzance, passengers could be travelling on clean, green battery-electric trains by the early 2030s. And the best thing is that this would save the country 拢3.5bn over 35 years.鈥
Siemens Mobility has conducted modelling using simulation software to compare using battery bi-mode trains to running diesel or part-diesel powered trains. Those trials have identified strategic points along battery charging points could be introduced, it said.
The company鈥檚 first battery train fleet is already in service in the Ortenau region of Germany, where it says it will save 1.8m litres of diesel per year.
