Battery

Hitachi’s UK regional battery train can reach top speeds of near of 144-162 km/h, without compromising on seats, carriages or passenger experience.

Travelling up to 90km just on batteries and recharging whilst in motion under the wires, it will offer seamless journeys on non-electrified suburban or branch routes, particularly around key towns and cities.

Our battery train technology is a perfect solution to help with the shift to a net-zero carbon economy, whilst supporting cost efficient and sustainable new train delivery options for non-electrified routes.

With a design focused on whole-life costing, the battery technology is based on our existing Class 385 commuter fleet currently in operation in the UK in Scotland.

A quick and easy application of battery technology is to install it on existing or future Hitachi intercity trains. A retrofit programme would involve removing diesel engines and replace with batteries.

Hitachi Rail’s modular design means this can be done without the need to re-engineer or rebuild the train, this ensures trains can be returned to service as quickly as possible for passengers. Adding a battery reduces fuel costs up to 30% or increase performance.

These trains will be able to enter, alight and leave non–electrified stations in battery mode reducing diesel emissions and minimising noise – helping to improve air quality and make train stations a cleaner environment for passengers.

Our battery solution complements electrification, connecting gaps and minimising potential infrastructure costs and disruption to service.