Hitachi to build battery trains in UK

BATTERY-POWERED trains built by Hitachi in the North East could be in traffic by the end of 2023, after the Japanese company signed a deal to develop a battery hub in the UK.

Hitachi will work with Sunderland-based Hyperdrive Innovation to create batteries that can be mass-produced. This follows research by the train manufacturer that suggests there is a potential market for the technology of more than 400 trains.

“Battery trains can play a vital role in improving the air we breathe, tackling climate change and providing modern, highperforming rail service,” said Hitachi Rail Group CEO Andrew Barr.

Hyperdrive Chief Executive

Chris Pennison added: “To date, only 42% of UK railways are electrified, with British trains using 469 million litres of diesel each year, emitting over 2.4 million tonnes of CO annually.

The partnership underpins the vision that the rail industry can be a major contributor to the UK Government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050.”

The initial market for the trains is thought to be for Hitachi’s AT200 range (which includes ScotRail’s Class 385s).

On battery power, Hitachi said the trains will have a maximum speed of 90mph-100mph and a battery mode range of 56 miles. The battery life is expected to be ten years, and the charge will be continuous rather than merely by regenerative braking and charging at the end of service.

Discussions have taken place with Network Rail regarding the train’s likely impact on reducing the cost of electrification, by being able to run away from wired routes. They will also be able to operate as conventional electric multiple units when running under the wires.

It’s understood that as well as new-build trains, the battery technology can also be retrofitted to the AT300 design which includes the Class 800-802 fleets currently in traffic, and the ‘803’, ‘805’, ‘807’ and ‘810’ fleets under construction. The company previously told RAIL that the ‘385s’ and ‘800s’ could be candidates for conversion ( RAIL 898).

In a statement, Hitachi said it had identified its fleet of UK trains as potential early recipients for battery power “as well as installing

HITACHI. An artist’s impression of two of Hitachi’s battery-powered trains. On the left is an AT200 regional electric multiple unit that would be fitted with the technology should the company receive orders. On the right is an AT300, of which the Intercity Express Trains and Azuma fleets are part. The bi-mode versions could have diesel engines replaced by batteries.