16.01.20
Vivarail’s Class 230 achieves UK first with 40-mile battery-powered trip
Vivarail achieved a UK first yesterday (Jan 15) as their Class 230 train travelled 40 miles on battery power alone.
It comes during a time of desperate need for a cleaner, greener train network as the UK strives for net zero carbon by 2050.
During testing runs in the autumn of last year, the train made this distance many times, making it fully approved and ready for passenger service.
The Class 230 train is able to replace ageing diesel stock on a number of lines, not only reducing carbon emissions but also providing an enhanced service due to superior acceleration.
Adrian Shooter, CEO of Vivarail, said, “We began our work on battery power a couple of years ago and since then we have tested the train in passenger service at Bo’ness, built the fast charge system and proved the range the train can operate.”
“With a new type of battery which we will use in our upcoming production trains we are confidently predicting a range of 60 miles between charges with only a 10-minute charge time. We look forward to providing emission-free trains and playing a significant part in decarbonising the UK’s rail network.”
Work began on the fast-charging trains in November 2017, following a grant from Innovate UK to develop battery technology.
More to follow.
Photo: Vivarail