Hitachi / Turntide Battery Trial

[ZCreaser]

Good Evening all,

Now that the battery trial has now ended and 802207 is back in passenger service. What does the future look like for batteries on the Class 80X fleet? Are there any plans to retrofit the current fleet with batteries instead of the traditional diesel GU?

Many thanks

 

[swt_passenger]

I believe nothing has been formally announced for the existing fleet. You’ll find plenty of suggestions in these forums though.

 

[Zomboid]

I'd guess that it won't lead to major changes to the 80x fleet in the short term, but will inform future designs.
There aren't that many routes yet where the battery swap could replace diesel, but it'll help define how much charging infrastructure is needed for a future rollout.

 

[Nottingham59]

Arriva have ordered nine 80x from Hitachi to replace the Grand Central fleet of 180s

Arriva orders battery ‘80x’ fleet for Grand Central

Hitachi scoops its first inter-city battery train order

www.modernrailways.com

 

[Class 317]

Replacement of diesel GU with battery packs across the 80x bi mode fleet would significantly reduce emissions at stations and offer potential performance benefits from faster hybrid acceleration.

Also adding battery packs to electric only versions offers potential for use of diversion routes or running through sections with the overheads isolated either to facilitate maintenance or during disruption.

If I'm remembering correctly Hitachi's trail showed a 35% to 50% reduction in emissions which roughly translates to the same reduction in diesel use and subsequent savings.