The train manufacturer said that during the trial, in conjunction with Angel Trains, and TransPennine Express, the 700kw battery provided fuel costs savings between 35%-50%, ‘surpassing previous predictions of up to 30%’.
A 50% saving was achieved on several occasions when using ‘Eco-mode’, where the battery entirely powers the trains on route sections and in stations.
Hitachi said that one battery powered the train to speeds greater than 75mph, demonstrating the technology can enter and exit stations solely in zero-emission battery-mode.
It can also achieve all journey times and performance requirements and so can meet operators’ timetable requirements, the company said.
During the trials the battery powered the train for a mile before and after stations, ‘seamlessly’ switching back to diesel engines while maintaining performance and journey times.
During a trial run, the train was able to operate solely in battery mode for 70km, which Hitachi said is more than an adequate range to cover bridges, tunnels, stations, and final stretches of routes.
Hitachi Rail said it is ready to deliver the next stage of a full intercity battery-electric train that, based on real-world data, 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.
Jim Brewin, chief director of UK and 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.’
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.’
The battery matches the weight of a diesel engine and is installed in the same undercarriage space.
