UK train manufacturers, Vivarail, has revealed their new plans for a hydrogen train showing their unique modular design will mean more seats for passengers.
Vivarail's success in the UK market means it is the only train manufacturer with a fully approved base train to work from.
The hydrogen train will follow the design of the Transport for Wales fleet with two driving motor cars powered by Hoppecke batteries, the only difference being that instead of a diesel generator the hydrogen train will have two carriages housing the fuel cells and hydrogen tanks.
Unlike other trains the Vivarail Class 230s will store all the equipment beneath the floor, meaning they are more streamlined and mean more space for passengers.
The modular power pack design allows for easy transition from one power source to another. Both sit in the same space underneath the train.
Interior space is not compromised as there is no need to put any of the storage tanks or equipment within the train.
Key features:
- Tanks and power systems housed beneath the train meaning more seats and internal space for passengers
- A range of 650 miles
- Class-leading acceleration helping to reduce journey times
- Regenerative braking to capture energy
- Green emission-free trains using batteries and hydrogen to help cut the UK's carbon emissions
- Spacious interiors meaning comfortable journeys for all types of passengers
This is excellent news from Vivarail!
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The Hydrogen Class 230s could be ideal to operate on branch lines in Wales, Northern England, Scotland, Southwest England, Cotswolds, West Midlands, East Midlands and perhaps Southern might inherit some Class 230’s to work on the Marshlink Line and Uckfield Line routes.
I think it will be a good idea to convert most of the Class 230’s into “Hydrogen” multiple unit trains so it can be used on longer journeys and on smaller branch lines across England and Wales and possibly send some to Scotland. With Vivarail converting the Class 230’s as DEMU (Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit) and some Class 230’s as BEMU (Battery-Electric Multiple Unit) rolling stocks that Vivarail brought the D-Stocks in 2016 when London Underground ordered the S7 Stocks for the District Line.
Vivarail should also consider converting other older British built trains into either DEMU, Battery operated or Hydrogen powered trains that could be useful to operate on smaller lines that need extra trains and to keep the UK’s railways moving for years and centuries to come.
When is London Northwestern Railway (West Midlands Trains) going to start using their DEMU Class 230’s that is to operate on the Marston Vale Line (Bletchley-Bedford service). And when will it happen.