Battery technology trialled on TransPennine train

The first-ever trial to replace a diesel engine with a battery on an intercity train is underway in the UK.
 
Hitachi Rail has built the battery using the North East supply chain, with one battery unit predicted to reduce emissions and fuel costs by as much as 30 per cent.
 
The battery, which generates a peak power of more than 700kw, has now been retrofitted onto a TransPennine Express ‘Nova 1’ train  ahead of the trial on Transpennine routes this summer.
 
This is the first UK trial where a diesel engine is replaced with a battery on an intercity train. The trial is a collaboration between TransPennine Express, Angel Trains and Hitachi Rail.

The single battery unit is incredibly powerful, storing enough electricity to power more than 75 houses for a day.

Engineering, Safety and Sustainability director at TransPennine Express, Paul Staples, said: “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.” 
 
The trial will test how intercity trains can enter, alight and leave non-electrified stations in zero-emission battery mode to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution.
 
The battery has been manufactured with Turntide Technologies in Sunderland, utilising the battery sector that has developed in the North East of England.