Hitachi and Hyperdrive to create battery plant in North East
HITACHI Rail and Hyperdrive Innovation have signed an exclusive agreement to develop battery packs to power zero-emission trains, and create a ‘battery hub’ in the North East. The move is all part of a drive for greener trains.
Hitachi has identified UK fleets, totalling 275 trains, as potential early recipients of battery technology.
The company also plans to install them on new metro and intercity trains as part of the move away from diesel traction.
Hitachi believes as many as 400 trains could have batteries fitted.
Extend range
Installing batteries onto current fleets can extend their range and allow passengers to reach stations on non-electrified branch lines without having to change train.
To take battery technology forward, the two manufacturers will accelerate the creation of batteries that can be massproduced at Hyperdrive’s Sunderland factory before installing them on trains built 20 miles away at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe factory.
This technology will be a big step forward as 58% of the UK rail network is not electrified, and there is mounting pressure to meet decarbonisation targets earlier than stated. Development of the UK’s first independent battery pack manufacturing facility will double the number of jobs at Hyperdrive’s Sunderland site, but the technology could offer benefits for the automotive, construction and energy sectors.
‘Vital role’
Andrew Barr, Hitachi Rail Group CEO, said: “Battery trains can play a vital role in improving the air we breathe, tackling climate change and providing modern, high-performing rail services. “The partnership with Hyperdrive creates shovel-ready opportunity for new battery trains to be ordered now.
“As well as new trains, this is also a window of opportunity to cut carbon and supercharge a green recovery across the UK.” ■ Back in 2007 Hitachi created a hybrid train in the UK using Class 43 power car No. 43089, which ran 100,000km during testing. It has been donated to the 125 Group by Porterbrook.