them on new metro and inter-city trains that will be needed in the coming years to replace ageing diesel fleets”.
Should any orders be forthcoming, Hitachi is also exploring the option of making Newton Aycliffe its worldwide hub for battery trains, although nothing is yet confirmed. This would fit in with its hopes of using the County Durham site to build trains for export ( RAIL 908).
In 2007, Hitachi fitted battery technology to 43089 Hayabusa and used it on NR’s New Measurement Train (NMT) as a prototype. It completed more than 62,000 miles and provided a 15% fuel saving compared with the
Class 43 also on the train.
Hitachi said that currently battery trains have around 50% lower lifecycle costs than hydrogen trains, making them cheaper and cleaner alternative-powered trains, although it has not ruled out exploring hydrogen power in the longer term.