"The UK's first superfast-charging train running only on battery power will come into passenger service this weekend operating a five-mile return route in west London. Great Western Railway (GWR) will send the converted London Underground train out from 5.30am to cover the full Saturday timetable on the West Ealing to Greenford branch line, four stops and 12 minutes each way, and now carrying up to 273 passengers, should its celebrity stoke up the demand."
"The battery will recharge in just three and a half minutes back at West Ealing station between trips, using a 2,000kW charger connected to a few metres of rail that only becomes live when the train stops directly overhead. The train can travel up to 200 miles on a single charge. Photograph: Steve Cotton/Alamy There are hopes within government and industry that this technology could one day replace diesel trains on routes that have proved difficult or expensive to electrify with overhead wires, as the decarbonisation of rail continues."
"GWR's engineering director, Simon Green, said: This is a significant moment for all those involved in this innovative project and comes at a crucial time as we focus on plans to replace our ageing diesel fleet. The new train can carry 237 passengers. Our fast-charge trial has successfully demonstrated that battery technology offers a reliable and efficient alternative to power electric trains, in cases where overhead lines aren't possible or desirable."
A converted London Underground train will begin passenger service on the West Ealing to Greenford five-mile branch, covering four stops in a 12-minute one-way journey. The train charges at West Ealing via a 2,000kW fast-charger connected to a short rail segment that energizes only when the train is stopped, allowing a recharge in three and a half minutes between trips. The battery enables up to 200 miles per charge and the vehicle has set a world record for battery-electric train range. Trials since early 2024 demonstrated reliability and industry hopes aim to replace diesel on non-electrified routes.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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