Rolling out battery-powered vehicles in a robust and strategic way
The design and rollout of battery trains has mainly been undertaken on a per supplier/scheme basis.
This has led to a range of designs and solutions. For example, there are already three approaches to battery charging infrastructure on the network.
This will restrict future operational flexibility. It will also limit how we use existing power infrastructure and systems.
In addition, there are no rules to define how battery trains should take power for charging and/or traction.
Ensuring greater consistency could help lower overall costs. It could also reduce operational risks.
This research will aid the efficient introduction of battery trains and charging systems.
The project:
- identified the operational concepts and rules for battery trains that charge using existing traction power networks
- explored appropriate standardisation for charging contact systems and infrastructure; traction batteries; and battery/vehicle integration.
With standardised battery charging rules, rail could realise savings on capital investment.
Up to 2,000 battery-powered vehicles and 120 charging points could be needed in the next 25 years. This is to replace diesel-only trains and meet the UK’s net zero targets.
Our research sets out good practice for the efficient specification of battery train and charging points. This will reduce costs and improve operational resilience.
Having this level of requirements in place will also help accommodate different battery and charging technologies in the future.