by Tiana May
Published
In collaboration with Angel Trains and Turntide Technologies, Hitachi Rail has retrofitted battery technology on a TransPennine Express train for trials in the UK.
This marks the nation’s first trial to replace a diesel engine with a battery on an intercity train.
The battery was built by Hitachi Rail and Turntide Technologies using the North East supply chain. Each battery unit is expected to reduce emissions and fuel costs by as much as 30 percent.
The battery generates a peak power of more than 700kw and can deliver the same levels of high-speed acceleration and performance as a diesel enginee, while also not being heavier than the engine it replaces.
“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 battery unit has been successfully retrofitted onto a five-carriage intercity Class 802 TransPennine Express ‘Nova 1’ train.
The retroffitted train will complete trials to test how intercity trains can enter and depart non-electrified stations in zero-emission battery mode to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution.
“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.”
The results of this trial will inform the business case for deploying fully battery-electric intercity trains, which will be capable of running up to 100 kilometres in battery mode. This range would enable the battery technology to cover the non-electrified sections of intercity routes in the coming years.
The trial also hopes to demonstrate how battery technology can cut infrastructure costs by reducing the need for overhead wires in tunnel sections and over complex junctions.
“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.”
The battery for the train was developed through a Japan-UK engineering alliance. Hitachi Rail invested more than 15 million GBP to co-develop the battery system with Turntide Technologies.
After being assembled in Sunderland, UK, the battery pack was shipped to Japan to undergo robust testing by Hitachi’s battery train experts.
“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.”
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced over 2 billion USD in funding for projects on the Northeast Corridor (NEC).
New York’s MTA has completed a multi-year modernisation project at the Metro-North Railroad’s Croton-on-Hudson hub.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has commenced the testing phase for its Silver Line trains, manufactured by Stadler.
Amtrak has issued two RFIs to support its delivery of high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity along the 450-mile Northeast Corridor (NEC).
Brightline West has selected Siemens Mobility as the preferred bidder to manufacture its high-speed trains.
Amtrak has provided an update on its plans for high-speed rail in the US, including a corridor between Dallas and Houston.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has released preliminary interior design renderings for the seating of its future trains.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has highlighted its progress in sustainability while delivering its electric high-speed rail line.
Earlier this week, Brightline West broke ground on its high-speed rail line. These images display its vision for the future train interiors.
Brightline West has officially broken ground on its high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Southern California.
Caltrain’s electric trains have completed integrated testing between San Francisco and San Jose in California.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has approved the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to procure its electric high-speed trains.
Amtrak has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for solutions that could help transform its rail fleet with zero-emission technologies.
Chicago’s commuter rail system, Metra, has announced a comprehensive list of construction projects planned for 2024.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has released new preliminary interior design renderings for its future train amenities.
PANYNJ has launched PATH Forward: a two-year programme to provide enhanced services and infrastructure on New Jersey’s PATH rail network.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) has completed tunnelling for the D Line Subway Extension Project.
Amtrak has awarded a ‘Delivery Partner’ contract to a team comprised of AECOM and Jacobs to support the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program.
The FRA has announced over 2.4 billion USD in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program grants.
Caltrain has retired 32 diesel passenger cars ahead of the launch of its new electric fleet in autumn 2024.
Amtrak has begun a 122 million USD track maintenance project to renew the Harrisburg Line in Pennsylvania.
The US Department of Transportation has awarded 900,000 USD to three agencies to enhance intercity passenger rail services.
Caltrain has successfully tested its electric trains and overhead wires between Redwood City and Mountain View for the first time.
Siemens Mobility has been selected to deliver 55 S200 high-floor light rail vehicles (LRVs) to Metro Transit in St. Louis.
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced nearly 4 billion USD in federal support for 14 transit construction projects.
With federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, new passenger rail services are set to launch in Colorado.
At a preview event, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is displaying its 8000 series rail cars manufactured by Hitachi Rail.
Brightline has announced plans to open a new intercity rail station in the City of Stuart in Martin County, Florida.
Amtrak has provided an update on the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program, with initial demolition having begun in Baltimore.
The US DOT’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced 631 million USD in grants for transit agencies to buy new railcars.
Metra has awarded a contract to Stadler to supply 16 battery-electric trains for operation in Chicago and the surrounding region.
The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and Caltrans have contracted Stadler to supply six additional hydrogen trains.
US freight railroad company, Norfolk Southern has completed 1 billion USD in infrastructure upgrades throughout 2023.
Amtrak has awarded a contract to Kiewit/J.F. Shea Joint Venture to build the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Baltimore.
AECOM has secured funding for a slew of major rail projects across the US from the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program.
Amtrak has announced plans to advance several key initiatives throughout 2024 as part of its goal to double annual ridership by 2040.
Federal, state and local leaders recently gathered to celebrate the inauguration of the Northwest Phase II extension of light rail in Phoenix.
The US Department of Transportation has announced the provision of a 31.4 million USD loan to upgrade key freight rail lines in California.
The US DOT has approved the allocation of 2.5 billion USD in private activity bonds for the Brightline West high-speed rail project.
Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s direction, New York’s MTA is set to initiate engineering work for the Interborough Express (IBX).
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has announced that its Fleet of the Future project will be delivered millions of USD under budget.
Caltrain has finalised testing for three new electric trains, with each of the new units having completed a thousand miles of testing.
Network Rail Consulting has been awarded a contract to provide systems engineering services for California’s High-Speed Rail Program.
The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority is extending Tri-Rail services to MiamiCentral Station from 13 January.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has released the shortlist of bidders to supply its new electric trains.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) will modernise the train control system for the city’s Muni Metro network.
Amtrak is calling on the public to contribute their ideas for the improvement of Chicago Union Station in Illinois.
Amtrak has issued a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to railcar manufacturers to replace its existing Long Distance fleet.
Amtrak has awarded contracts to Flatiron/Herzog, AECOM and Fay Construction for the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge Replacement Program.
The US DOT’s Federal Railroad Administration has announced 8.2bn USD in funding for high-speed rail and pipeline projects across the US.
The US DOT has awarded 3 billion USD in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to progress the Brightline West high-speed rail project.
The US Department of Transportation has awarded the California High-Speed Rail Authority almost 3.1 billion USD in funding.
Last week, Rail Live! addressed some of the major safety challenges associated with railway operations globally.
Siemens Mobility has been awarded a contract to supply up to 55 new light rail vehicles to Metro Transit for the St. Louis MetroLink network.
In coordination with NJ TRANSIT, Amtrak has begun the procurement process for the Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project.
Brightline has awarded a contract to ENSCO Rail to provide autonomous railway inspection technology for its expanded Florida network.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has agreed to construct a station connecting to Hollywood Burbank Airport.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has contracted Alstom to modernise and replace its Skylink APM system.
MBTA has launched a Track Improvement Program that will eliminate all speed restrictions on its network by the end of 2024.
The FRA has awarded nearly 10 billion USD to Amtrak for the modernisation of critical infrastructure on the Northeast Corridor (NEC).
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has released a RFQ for design services for track and OCS connecting Merced to Bakersfield.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has unveiled 3D modelling, sketches and virtual simulation designs of its future electric trains.
Amtrak has signed a service development agreement for the return of intercity passenger rail services between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
Class I freight railroad company, CSX has expanded its partnership with Siemens Mobility to implement digital solutions for freight rail.
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has rolled out the first five R211 subway cars on the Staten Island Railway.
Chicago’s commuter rail operator, Metra has been awarded a 169.3 million USD grant to purchase zero-emission, battery-powered trainsets.
Stadler has received an order to build four hydrogen-powered trains for the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and Caltrans.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will provide 197 million USD in funding to help transit agencies replace ageing passenger railcars.
The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) has ordered an additional eight S700 light rail vehicles (LRVs) from Siemens Mobility.
The LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency has announced that Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner in Southern California is now powered by renewable diesel.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will receive up to 5 million USD to establish a National University Rail Center of Excellence.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded 1.4 billion USD in funding to 70 rail projects across the US.
Caltrain has successfully completed three major milestones to advance its rail electrification project in California.
Brightline has announced that its service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) will officially launch on 22 September 2023.
Amtrak has awarded a contract to the Clark Construction/Stacy and Witbeck JV for the delivery of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program.
Caltrain’s Traction Power Substation built by Balfour Beatty in South San Francisco has now been energised with power from PG&E.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has approved the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to procure its first trainsets.
Siemens Mobility has broken ground on its new 220 million USD manufacturing and rail services facility in Lexington, North Carolina.
Amtrak has exercised a contract option to order an additional 10 Airo trainsets to help meet increased demand for passenger rail travel.
Caltrain has announced plans to pilot a bi-level dual electric and battery-powered train to help further reduce emissions from its services.
HS2 has completed construction of Streethay Overbridge to enable high-speed trains to travel underneath the South Staffordshire railway.
Texas Central and Amtrak are exploring opportunities to advance planning and analysis for the Dallas-Houston high-speed rail project.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has ordered 60 single-level rail coach cars from Alstom.
Brightline has announced delys to its timeline, meaning it will not commence passenger services to Orlando from 1 September as planned.
The Governor of Illinois has presented the Chicago Hub Improvement Program, proposing a 1.1 bn USD investment in regional rail infrastructure.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has ordered 18 fuel cell engines from Ballard Power Systems to expand its Hydrogen Locomotive Program.
Amtrak has announced plans to complete track infrastructure improvements on the Northeast Corridor to increase the reliability of its trains.
AECOM, Skanska and SOM have completed the $395m renovation of the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) concourse at Pennsylvania Station in New York.
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority has received a RAISE grant to fund the construction of two Brightline West rail stations.
California High-Speed Rail Authority has won funding for its Fresno High-Speed Rail Station Historic Depot Renovation and Plaza Activation Project.
Brightline has finished construction on extending its intercity rail service to Orlando, Florida ahead of the route launching this summer.
Amtrak has released its annual Sustainability Report detailing the ways it has reduced diesel usage and air emissions.
The Utah Department of Transportation has selected a HDR-led team to manage its FrontRunner Strategic Double Track project.
The recent collapse of a section of the I-95 highway has highlighted the value of the proposed Roosevelt Boulevard Subway in Philadelphia.
The Austin Transit Partnership, Austin City Council and CapMetro have approved the first phase of the Austin Light Rail project.
Caltrain’s electrification project has commenced testing electric trains operating under power from the overhead lines.
Amtrak has submitted applications for FRA funding to advance Northeast Corridor projects and improve reliability on its long-distance network.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is set to begin construction on four new Red Line stations at Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr.
Minnesota legislature has approved 195 million USD in funding for the Northern Light Express (NLX) passenger rail project.
Washington Metro has presented the latest design concepts for its future fleet of trains that will be produced by Hitachi Rail.
Please fill in the contact form opposite. A member of the team will be in touch shortly.
We’d love to send you the latest news and information from the world of Railway-News. Please tick the box if you agree to receive them.
For your peace of mind here is a link to our Privacy Policy.
By submitting this form, you consent to allow Railway-News to store and process this information.
We love trains. You love trains. Sign up to our weekly newsletter to have all the latest global industry news calling at your inbox.
You’ll also get our quarterly eMagazine: more trains, but with a shiny cover! Find out what industry suppliers are up to and read in-depth editorials.
By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy.
About The Author
More Stories
Community-Centered Connectivity Initiatives Earn Viddy Awards Recognition
Zombie IXPs: The Four Types of Exchanges That Refuse to Die, but Fail to Live
The Shift in Peering Threatening the Internet’s Foundations