A battery intercity train trial will demonstrate how battery retrofit technology can help decarbonise our railways.

A collaboration between TransPennine Express, Angel Trains and Hitachi Rail has seen the first UK trial of a battery replacing a diesel engine on an intercity train.

The train – a TransPennine Nova 1 (five-carriage intercity class 802) – has been retrofitted with a single battery unit, capable of generating a peak power of more than 700kW.

Despite its impressive energy and power density, the battery will deliver the same levels of high-speed acceleration and performance, while being no heavier than the diesel engine it replaces.

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.

Hitachi Rail partnered with Turntide Technologies in Sunderland to develop the battery. Hitachi Rail used Turntide’s battery cells to provide the optimised...