The first battery-powered trains in Europe

The Blue Train runs on batteries, electricity and diesel, with batteries as the main source of power, reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption by 50% compared to diesel trains.

Battery-powered trains are operating in some regions of Italy. Photo: Hitachi Rail

Twenty Hitachi Rail Masaccio trains have begun operating in Italy under the name Blue, CNN reported on June 28. This is the first phase of a 1.23 billion euro project to add 135 battery-powered trains to the network of Trenitalia, Italy's main train operator. The new fleet will operate in Calabria, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Tuscany, the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

In Calabria, trains run along the Ionian coast, while routes in Sicily include Messina - Palermo and Messina - Catania - Syracuse. Not all trains running on these routes are Blue, so which train passengers board is random.

The Blue trains have three or four carriages with around 300 seats. They are hybrid trains, running on batteries, electricity and diesel. "This is the first time batteries have been used as the main energy source on a commercial fleet in Europe," Trenitalia said.

The Blue trains, made from 93% recycled materials, will reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption by 50% compared to diesel trains. By running on batteries through urban areas, they will also eliminate exhaust fumes and noise pollution. An advisory system for the train driver will also suggest the optimal speed to reduce energy consumption.

The trains have a short range of around 15km on battery power alone, but can be recharged as they move, either by using a pantograph (a device on the roof of the train that connects the train to the power lines) or by using a brake. This means the train can be recharged multiple times during the journey. The train’s top speed is 160km/h. The train’s floor is also at the same level as the platform, allowing visitors with mobility issues to board the train without having to take a big step.

Europe’s rail network is expanding, but about 40% of lines are still not electrified and more than half of trains run on diesel, according to Hitachi Rail. Some lines are difficult to electrify due to geography. In Italy alone, more than 4,000 km of track have yet to be electrified. Hitachi Rail says its Blue trains offer an immediate solution to decarbonizing Europe’s passenger rail system.

The next version of Blue is expected to be released in two years. It is expected to run solely on batteries, with a range of more than 100 kilometers. Hitachi Rail also plans to make further improvements to the trains it has just launched.

Thu Thao (According to CNN )

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/nhung-doan-tau-chay-bang-pin-dau-tien-o-chau-au-4623035.html