Hitachi Batteries for ScotRail

Japanese firm Hitachi proposes adding batteries to new electric trains it is building for ScotRail.

20:42 29 March 2019

Japanese firm Hitachi is proposing to add batteries to new electric trains it is currently building for ScotRail. If approved, newer trains would extend their range on to non-electrified sections of track, which could improve comfort to lines currently served by older and more polluting diesel trains.

 

The newer trains will require 10-15 minute charging and could run up to 60 miles on batteries, Hitachi reveals. The company adds the trains could run beyond Dunblane and as far as Perth and Dundee on a single charge. Hitachi has suggested other routes they could be use on, including from Glasgow to East Kilbride and Kilmarnock, and on a Glasgow northern suburban line to Anniesland via Maryhill.

 

A Hitachi spokesman said: “There are various options for the Class 385s, including installing batteries underneath.

 

“It would provide greater flexibility for the operator and save a huge amount in electrification costs. “It would make ScotRail the first first alternatively-fuelled passenger train operator in the UK.”