‘HybridFLEX’ officially launched at Marylebone
First Chiltern Railways battery-diesel train journey coincides with company’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
BRITAIN’S first battery-diesel train was officially launched at Marylebone station on July 21 as part of 25th birthday celebrations for Chiltern Railways.
As reported in the July issue, ‘HybridFLEX’ Class 168 No. 168329 underwent testing on the Ecclesborne Valley Railway in Derbyshire prior to operation on the rail network.
The unit, owned by leasing company Porterbrook, has been fitted with a Rolls-Royce MTU hybrid drive, which cuts emissions and noise when operating under battery power.
The original compressor and alternator have been replaced and hydrostatic equipment removed.
An MTU power pack with a small electric motor and fuel-efficient ZF six-speed gearbox are also part of the new package, which creates a selfcharging hybrid train.
Arriving and departing from stations on battery power offers the potential to significantly improve air quality at stations, with modelling of train duty cycles suggesting a 25% reduction in CO2, a 70% drop in nitrous oxide and a 90% fall in particulates.
‘HybridFLEX’ trains are also expected to reduce journey times with their enhanced acceleration and offer a 20% reduction in fuel consumption.
Rail industry and regional representatives joined longserving Chiltern staff aboard the first journey from Marylebone to Bicester Village, which departed at 10.00.
It is hoped that No. 168329 will enter full passenger service from September.