High-speed battery-powered trains have been trialled in the UK as a transition to greener train travel begins to spread across Europe.
The trial, in the north of England, used a 700kw battery, allowing the train to reach speeds of over 75 miles per hour.
The train operated solely on battery power for 70km of its journey and then switched back to diesel power. The 70km distance, however, showed that battery power could cover an average intercity route in the UK. However, when launched, it is envisaged that trains will be able to run between 100km and 150km on battery power alone.
Battery power is cheaper and more fuel efficient than diesel, according to Angel Trains, Hitachi Rail and TransPennine Express which jointly ran the trials.
Hitachi Rail recently ran the world’s first passenger battery-powered train in Japan, while tests have also been carried out in Italy.
As well as noise and air pollution reductions, battery power removes the need for electrification infrastructure and costs and overhead wiring. Such cost reduction should mean cheaper rail travel for passengers and end users in the future as well as cleaner journeys.
