Improved battery powered trains to come following new Hitachi Rail and Hyperdrive partnership

Hitachi Rail and Hyperdrive Innovation have announced a newly signed deal that will see the firms lead the way in battery-powered trains across the UK.

Both companies have experience in the development of battery-powered vehicles, with Hitachi introducing their own battery-powered trains in Japan in 2016 and Hyperdrive’s work in developing batteries for Nissan electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf.

Using this knowledge, the facilities and teams, they will now work together to improve the quality of battery-powered trains operating on UK tracks.

Currently, only 42% of the UK’s rail network is electrified, with a big drive to reduce CO2 and other harmful emissions produced from using trains powered by diesel, battery-powered vehicles have become one of the best methods to phase out fossil fuel-powered trains.

Development work will be carried out in the UK, at Hitachi’s site in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham and Hyperdrive’s HYVE facility in Sunderland.

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At the start of their agreement and joint project, 275 Hitachi trains currently in use around the UK’s rail network have been highlighted as potential engines to be upgraded in future.

The project has major benefits for the UK as a whole, before production of the batteries can start, hundreds of staff will need to be recruited, plus providing many more jobs in companies associated with the project.

Passengers will travel on quieter and cleaner trains, as there will be no combustion engine outputting noise and emissions. Where overhead electrification cannot be installed or currently not planned, the lines may receive battery-powered units instead.

Group CEO for Hitachi Andrew Barr said: “Battery trains can play a vital role in improving the air we breathe, tackling climate change and providing modern, high performing rail service – all things we know passengers want to see.

The partnership with Hyperdrive creates shovel-ready opportunity for new battery trains to be ordered now. As well as new trains, this is also a window of opportunity to cut carbon and supercharge a green recovery in the North East and across the UK.”

Hyperdrive Innovation CEO Chris Pennison said: “We’re delighted to bring our expertise and experience as a trusted electrification partner to a new industry, assisting an innovative organisation like Hitachi, as it modernises and decarbonises UK rail networks.

“Our partnership with Hitachi will secure major investment and jobs in the North East, reinforcing the UK’s battery supply chain and keeping the country on track to reach net-zero by 2050.”

To date, only 42% of UK railways are electrified, with British trains using 469 million litres of diesel each year, emitting over 2.4 million tonnes CO2 annually. The partnership underpins the vision that the rail industry can be a major contributor to the UK government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050 and strengthens the case for home-grown innovation to be at the forefront of the UK’s clean growth strategy.”

Business and Industry Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “It’s fantastic to see two innovative companies joining forces to create good quality manufacturing jobs across the North East.

An emission-free public transport system is vital if we’re to build a stronger, greener economic recovery that spreads prosperity and opportunity across the UK.”

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