TRANSPENNINE Express Class 802 ‘Nova 1’ unit No. 802207 is undergoing testing after being fitted with a high-energy battery in place of one of its three diesel engines at Hitachi Rail’s factory at Newton Aycliffe in County Durham.
The collaboration between Hitachi, battery manufacturer Turntide Technologies, TPE and Angel Trains, which owns the Class 802/2 sets, will provide data for a business case for an entirely battery and electric-powered intercity train capable of covering up 60 miles of the railway network running in battery mode.
Hitachi says the battery can store sufficient energy to power 75 homes for a day and it is capable of the same acceleration and performance as the diesel engine it replaces. It also has the same power output as and is no heavier than the engine.
Testing of No. 802207 began on May 24 and it will be used in trials on TPE routes later
