TransPennine Trains to Test Groundbreaking Battery Tech in Latest Upgrade

Friday, May 24, 2024

Today marked the commencement of the UK’s inaugural intercity battery train tests. The testing involved retrofitting a high-capacity battery, capable of generating over 700kw peak power, onto a TransPennine Express ‘Nova 1’ train, a five-carriage intercity Class 802. This trial, taking place on Transpennine routes, represents the UK’s first attempt at substituting a diesel engine with a battery in an intercity train. The effort is a joint venture among TransPennine Express, Angel Trains, and Hitachi Rail.

The battery boasts significant power, capable of supplying enough electricity to power more than 75 homes for a day. It matches the original diesel engine in weight and promises to maintain high-speed acceleration and performance. This swap is expected to cut emissions and fuel costs by up to 30% on these trains.

A key focus of the trial is to explore how trains can operate in and out of non-electrified stations using solely battery power, thereby enhancing air quality and reducing noise pollution for passengers. Produced in collaboration with Turntide Technologies in Sunderland, this battery capitalizes on the burgeoning battery industry in North East England.

This trial aims to gather data to support the feasibility of a fully battery-electric intercity train with a range of up to 100km. This technology could potentially bridge the gaps in non-electrified segments of intercity routes soon. Additionally, it could lessen infrastructure expenses by diminishing the need for overhead cables in tunnels and over intricate junctions.

Angel Trains, which owns the Class 802 units, views this initiative as crucial, benefiting both the North East and the wider rail sector. This private sector investment in cutting-edge technology plays a pivotal role in advancing UK rail infrastructure.

Ultimately, this trial could bolster the domestic battery sector, demonstrating the significant role rail can play in its expansion.

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 Japan-UK engineering partnership, highlighted by Hitachi Rail’s investment of over £15 million to jointly develop the battery system with Turntide Technologies in the North East.

After assembly, the battery pack was transported from the UK to Japan for extensive testing by Hitachi’s battery train experts, who were integral to the launch of the world’s first passenger battery train in 2016.

The successful testing in Japan set the stage for collaboration within the UK rail industry, involving Angel Trains, TransPennine Express, and Hitachi Rail, aimed at decarbonizing and modernizing 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.”

This significant initiative leverages Hitachi’s extensive global experience, which includes launching the first passenger battery train in Japan and introducing the Masaccio, Europe’s initial battery hybrid train, in Italy in 2022. Hitachi Rail is advancing rapidly, having recently introduced an intercity version of the train. Plans are underway to expand this technology to more European markets, including Germany starting in 2026.

The development of this battery marks a crucial advancement for the rail industry both domestically and internationally. Hitachi Rail aims to deploy this battery technology on trains globally, potentially boosting UK exports and enhancing energy efficiency.

Currently, thousands of diesel-powered trains operate worldwide, all of which need to transition to greener alternatives to achieve net-zero emissions. In Italy, the Masaccio has already reduced CO2 emissions by 50% compared to its diesel counterparts. Replacing diesel engines with robust battery solutions offers a cost-effective method for achieving partial electrification and decarbonizing railways globally.