"The UK's first train running only on rapid-charging batteries will start carrying passengers in London on Saturday. The train will replace its diesel counterpart on the two-and-a-half-mile Greenford branch line in west London. Great Western Railway (GWR) has been trialling the technology on the route since May 2024. Batteries fitted to a former London Underground District line train are topped up during four-minute turnarounds at West Ealing station."
"GWR said, in July last year, that the initial findings of its trial showed the infrastructure needed to charge battery trains was cheaper than full electrification. A month later, the train set a new world record of 200.5 miles for the longest distance travelled by a battery train on a single charge. Its passenger services will initially be restricted to Saturdays - starting with the 5.30am departure from West Ealing to Greenford - but it is hoped its usage will be increased throughout the year."
"This is a significant moment for all those involved in this innovative project and comes at a crucial time as we focus on plans to replace our aging diesel fleet. Our fast-charge trial has successfully demonstrated that battery technology offers a reliable and efficient alternative to power electric trains, in cases where overhead lines aren't possible or desirable."
A rapid‑charging battery train will enter passenger service on the two-and-a-half-mile Greenford branch in west London, replacing a diesel unit. GWR trialled the system on the route since May 2024, fitting batteries to a former London Underground District line train and recharging during four-minute turnarounds at West Ealing. Initial trial findings indicated charging infrastructure is cheaper than full electrification, and the train set a world record of 200.5 miles on a single charge. Services start on Saturdays from a 5.30am West Ealing departure with plans to increase usage as diesel-only trains are phased out by 2040.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]