The first battery-powered train to run on Britain’s rail network in
more than half a century has carried its first passengers. This
marks an important milestone in the project to demonstrate the viability
of an eco-friendly battery-powered train for the twenty-first century.
The new train contributes to Network Rail’s commitment to reduce its environmental impact, improve sustainability
and reduce the cost of running the railway by 20 per cent over the next
five years. It could ultimately lead to a fleet of battery-powered
trains running on Britain’s rail network which are quieter and more
efficient than diesel-powered trains, making them better for passengers
and the environment.
Network Rail and its industry partners – including Bombardier, Abellio Greater Anglia,
and the Rail Executive arm of the Department for Transport (which is
co-funding the project through the FutureRailway innovation programme) –
recognise the potential for battery-powered trains to bridge gaps
between electrified parts of the network and to run on branch lines
where it would be too expensive to install overhead electrification.”
Following
its successful retrofitting and trials at test tracks in Derby and
Leicestershire last year by Bombardier, the modified Class 379
Electrostar battery-powered train – also known as an Independently Powered Electric Multiple Unit
(IPEMU) – will run in weekday timetable service for five weeks between
Harwich International and Manningtree stations in Essex.
Network Rail Principal Engineer James Ambrose said: “We’ve made terrific progress with this project so far and seeing the battery-powered train in timetabled service is a huge step forward.
Data gathered during the experiment will be used to help the wider rail industry determine what form a future IPEMU will take, be it a straight battery unit or hybrid.
Any future IPEMU would most likely be designed as a new train and not an adapted unit, to minimise energy consumption, but this project will also provide useful information for retrofit.
“After
months of engineering and testing, the train is running just as we
would like it. We’ll be using this five-week period to gather data on
how it handles during passenger service – most travellers will recognise
how quiet and smooth the ride is compared to a diesel-powered train.”
James continued: “We are always looking for ways to reduce the cost of running the railway and make it greener too. This project has the potential to contribute significantly towards both those goals.”
Rail Minister Claire Perry said: “This is a major milestone in this innovative project, and further proof of our commitment to deliver a world-class rail network fit for the 21st century.
“These trains potentially offer a real alternative where diesel or electrified services aren’t suitable, and I look forward to seeing the results of the trials.”
SEE ALSO AN UPDATE ON THE FOCUS FEATURES SITE
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| Battery Pods awaiting installation in the 379 Unit |
Network Rail Principal Engineer James Ambrose said: “We’ve made terrific progress with this project so far and seeing the battery-powered train in timetabled service is a huge step forward.
Data gathered during the experiment will be used to help the wider rail industry determine what form a future IPEMU will take, be it a straight battery unit or hybrid.
Any future IPEMU would most likely be designed as a new train and not an adapted unit, to minimise energy consumption, but this project will also provide useful information for retrofit.
James continued: “We are always looking for ways to reduce the cost of running the railway and make it greener too. This project has the potential to contribute significantly towards both those goals.”
Rail Minister Claire Perry said: “This is a major milestone in this innovative project, and further proof of our commitment to deliver a world-class rail network fit for the 21st century.
“These trains potentially offer a real alternative where diesel or electrified services aren’t suitable, and I look forward to seeing the results of the trials.”
SEE ALSO AN UPDATE ON THE FOCUS FEATURES SITE
.jpg)
The most recent posting on the Focus Features site has had a minor update at the end and in respect of the Scania double-deck operation. These can now be viewed by clicking here
