UK’s first Intercity battery trial a ‘success’

The UK’s first Intercity battery trial, which took place across the North of England has been described as exceeding expectations by the three main companies behind it: Angel Trains, Hitachi Rail and TransPennine Express.

The trial employed a single battery which was used to power the train for a mile before it arrived at a station, and for a mile after departing. The train subsequently switched back to its diesel engines. 

It was expected that fuel cost savings – delivered through train settings, battery usage and driving style -would be around 30%, however they were found to be in the region of 35-50%

The savings peaked at  50% when using ‘Eco-mode’ where the battery entirely powers the trains on route sections. 

During a trial, the train could operate solely in battery mode for 70km. nore than an adequate range to cover bridges, tunnels, stations, and final stretches of routes.

Following the trial, Hitachi Rail is preparing to deliver the next stage of a full intercity battery-electric train, which would have a range between 100-150km. These ranges can cover significant sections of non-electrified routes, eliminating the need for wires in tunnels or stations, and potentially saving hundreds of millions of pounds on electrification projects.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: ‘Rail is already the most environmentally friendly form of public transport, and the success of this trial will pave the way for even greener, more reliable journeys for millions of passengers.

‘This technology will play a vital role as we deliver our ambitious plans to transform and decarbonise the railways, and it could open the door to a more affordable expansion of the network for communities across the country.’

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: ‘Hitachi’s investment and innovation in battery technology shows the rail industry and manufacturing has a bright future in the North East. The North East is synonymous with invention and the successful test of battery operated trains provides a strong vote of confidence in our region.

‘We are the region that brought coal-powered engines to the world; now we’re delivering clean trains, which will help us build the greenest public transport in the country and deliver our transition to net zero. We are building our reputation as a world-leader in electric vehicles and battery tech, and this demonstrates how companies like Hitachi and their skilled workforce can play a leading role in the unlocking prosperity and opportunity for the region and nation.’

Jim Brewin, Chief Director of UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail said: ‘Everyone should be immensely proud of creating battery technology that had zero failures during the entire trial. Using our global expertise, Hitachi Rail has created new technology which means the greenest mode of transport, just got greener.

‘Investing £17 million in new clean technology, we are ready to deliver both new or retrofitted battery intercity fleets. Not only will this provide cheaper, greener and reliable railway journeys, but it will also create a new advanced manufacturing opportunity to support the North East’s Industrial Strategy.

‘Ahead of the 200-year anniversary of Stockton-Darlington railway, it seems fitting that Hitachi has created the rail technology of the future, right here in the birthplace of the modern railway.’

Malcolm Brown, Chief Executive Officer at Angel Trains, said: ‘This multimillion-pound investment by Angel Trains and Hitachi Rail has shown the benefits that battery technology can deliver on existing and new fleets, driving forward a greener mode of transport that benefits passengers and the environment.

‘I would like to give a huge thank you to both Hitachi Rail and TransPennine Express. We’re proud to have supported skilled jobs and the supply chain in the North East and look forward to continuing to invest in technology, trains and infrastructure that create a greener more cost-effective railway.’