The first battery-powered train to run on UK tracks has begun testing on routes from York to Manchester Airport and Leeds to Liverpool Lime Street.

Over the next eight weeks, a variety of important tests will take place, including the battery’s ability to improve performance on hills, regenerative charging via braking, fuel and emission savings, and zero-emission battery mode in train stations.

According to Hitachi Rail, not only will the train reduce emissions and fuel costs by as much as 30%, it will also improve air quality and reduce noise pollution when entering and leaving stations.

The TransPennine Nova 1 trains are designed to be able to run on 100% battery power for up to 100km. At this range, the battery technology could be deployed to cover the final non-electrified sections of intercity routes in the coming years. It will also demonstrate how battery technology can reduce infrastructure costs by reducing the need for overhead wires in tunnel sections and over complex junctions...