Hitachi Rail is leading a new public-private partnership to develop next-generation battery technology for intercity and commuter trains. The collaboration aims to create a smaller, more powerful battery pack for trains, improving on previous designs and enhancing rail efficiency.
The partnership includes Innovate UK, the University of Birmingham, and DB ESG.The new battery pack will be 40% smaller and offer a 22% improvement in energy density compared to its predecessor.
This advancement is achieved using Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry, which allows the battery to be installed on commuter and suburban trains without compromising power.
Turntide Technologies, based in Sunderland, is supplying its developments in automotive battery technology to support the project.A smaller battery design will enable the rollout of trains with lower floors, facilitating easier access for all passengers and promoting inclusivity. The compact design also reduces train weight and simplifies maintenance, further enhancing operational efficiency.
“The acceleration of battery innovation is incredible. This is why at Hitachi, we use our expertise from Italy, Japan, and the UK to ensure our partners remain at the forefront of battery technology.
“This continuous improvement means we are always working on the next generation of smaller and more powerful batteries to reduce cost on railways by negating electrification infrastructure spend or removing diesel engines entirely.”