Battery train enters service

摘要

The prototype Independently Powered Electric Multiple-Unit entered trial passenger service on the Manningtree -Harwich branch on January 12, where it is scheduled to operate until February 13. The Ipemu comprises a Bombardier Electrostar Class 379 four-car 25 kV 50 Hz EMU which has been retrofitted with Valence Technology's U-Charge lithium iron magnesium phosphate batteries for off-wire use. It will be used to assess the potential for battery-powered trains to be used on non-electrified branches or routes between electrified lines. Data gathered will help to determine whether any future Ipemu should be a straight battery unit or an overhead-battery hybrid; the project partners expect that future trainsets would be designed from new rather than adapted. 'We've made terrific progress with this project so far and seeing the battery-powered train in timetabled service is a huge step forward', said Network Rail Principal Engineer James Ambrose. 'After months of engineering and testing, the train is running just as we would like it. We'll be using this six-week period to gather data on how it handles during passenger service.'