05.02.19
Vivarail unveils plans to build new hydrogen trains
Train manufacturer Vivarail has unveiled their new plans for hydrogen trains, revealing new designs and visuals for their emissions-free rolling stock.
The modular hydrogen train is currently in production, with two motor cars powered by batteries and instead of a diesel genset, the train will have two carriages housing fuel cells and hydrogen tanks – following the design of the Transport for Wales fleet.
Vivarail said it is the only UK train manufacturer with a fully approved base train and fully approved design to work from, and it says new images show how the unique design will mean more seats for passengers on top of emission-free travel.
The trains are fitted with diesel generators but Vivarail says its standard modular power pack designs will allow it to be easily converted to run with hydrogen.
The manufacturer said the trains demonstrate that emission-free travel is possible and is part of its on-going drive green trains.
The government has pledged to completely phase out diesel-only trains by 2040, with former rail minister Jo Johnson announcing in February 2018 that he wanted hydrogen train trials in the UK “as soon as possible.”
Vivarail’s Alice Gillman said the test train currently being worked on is due to begin operating on the company’s track by the end of the year so the company can “gauge its performance.”
The new rolling stock will house power systems and tanks beneath the train, meaning more seats and internal space, and class-leading acceleration will help reduce journey times.
The trains will have a range of 650 miles, using regenerative braking during journeys to recapture energy.
Vivarail also revealed plans for new Class 230s in March after signing a deal with LNR and unveiled new livery for the new stock in August, but the new trains for the Marston Vale Line were delayed in October due to technical issues.