Hitachi Rail Upgrades TransPennine Express Train with Battery Technology

Hitachi Rail, in collaboration with Angel Trains and Turntide Technologies, has successfully retrofitted battery technology onto a TransPennine Express train for trials in the UK. This groundbreaking project marks the nation’s first trial to replace a diesel engine with a battery on an intercity train.

The battery, developed by Hitachi Rail and Turntide Technologies using the North East supply chain, is expected to reduce emissions and fuel costs by up to 30 percent. With a peak power of over 700kw, the battery can deliver high-speed acceleration and performance comparable to a diesel engine while being lighter.

The retrofitted five-carriage intercity Class 802 TransPennine Express ‘Nova 1’ train will undergo trials to test its ability to enter and depart non-electrified stations in zero-emission battery mode, improving air quality and reducing noise pollution.

Matthew Prosser, Asset Management Director at Angel Trains, expressed excitement about the project’s potential to decarbonize railways and showcase the benefits of battery retrofit technology. The trial aims to inform the business case for deploying fully battery-electric intercity trains capable of running up to 100 kilometers in battery mode, covering non-electrified sections of intercity routes.

This innovative trial not only demonstrates the potential of battery technology to revolutionize the rail industry but also highlights the collaborative efforts of global engineering alliances in developing sustainable transportation solutions. The successful development and production of the high-performance battery in the UK further solidifies the country’s role in advancing clean technology on a global scale.