Onboard the UK's First Battery Electric Train!

11/28/24 •

Summaries by topic

• English

The UK's first battery electric train, a retrofitted Class 230, utilizes a novel fast-charging system involving trackside battery banks and shoe gear that connects to charging rails. The system underwent rigorous testing at Long Marston and is now operational on a 5-mile loop in West Ealing, demonstrating the potential for cleaner, faster, and more efficient rail travel on branch lines where overhead lines are impractical.

Battery Electric Train

• 00:00:04 The UK's first battery electric train is a retrofitted Class 230, featuring three battery rafts with a total capacity of 500 kilowatt-hours. The train's design incorporates a fast-charging system that allows for charging in short station stops, ensuring minimal impact on train schedules.

Fast Charging System

• 00:01:10 The train's fast-charging system is based on trackside battery banks, which are trickle-charged when not in use. The train uses shoe gear to connect to charging rails, enabling rapid charging at up to 2 megawatts. This system allows for charging times of only 3 minutes at each station.

Testing and Validation

• 00:03:55 The battery electric train and its fast-charging system underwent extensive testing at Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre. These tests ensured the mechanical and electrical soundness of the system before deployment on a real-world route in West Ealing.

West Ealing Operations

• 00:08:48 The battery electric train is now operational on a 5-mile loop in West Ealing, West London. The train's performance on this route has highlighted the operational benefits, including faster acceleration and the need for adjustments to station stop times to accommodate early arrivals.

Potential for Expansion

• 00:12:46 The technology demonstrated with this train has the potential for expansion to other branch lines. The trackside battery system can potentially integrate renewable energy sources such as solar power. This technology could reduce reliance on diesel trains and improve the sustainability of the UK rail network.