A rapid-charging battery train trial, which could help end diesel operations on branch lines, has been launched.
Great Western Railway (GWR) is conducting a 12-month pilot of the technology on the two-and-a-half-mile Greenford branch line in west London.
The system involves batteries fitted to a former London Underground District line train being topped up during four-minute turnarounds at West Ealing station.
GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said the technology will be a “vital” part of the industry’s efforts to phase out diesel-only trains by 2040.
Rail minister Huw Merriman said: “This trial proves the potential for battery technology to accelerate decarbonisation of our railways and deliver real environmental benefits through removal of harmful diesel emissions at pace.
GWR is operating its usual service on the Greenford line alongside the trial, but it hopes fare-paying passengers will be able to travel on the battery-powered train during the programme.
The original article contains 500 words, the summary contains 147 words. Saved 71%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
This is the best summary I could come up with:
A rapid-charging battery train trial, which could help end diesel operations on branch lines, has been launched.
Great Western Railway (GWR) is conducting a 12-month pilot of the technology on the two-and-a-half-mile Greenford branch line in west London.
The system involves batteries fitted to a former London Underground District line train being topped up during four-minute turnarounds at West Ealing station.
GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said the technology will be a “vital” part of the industry’s efforts to phase out diesel-only trains by 2040.
Rail minister Huw Merriman said: “This trial proves the potential for battery technology to accelerate decarbonisation of our railways and deliver real environmental benefits through removal of harmful diesel emissions at pace.
GWR is operating its usual service on the Greenford line alongside the trial, but it hopes fare-paying passengers will be able to travel on the battery-powered train during the programme.
The original article contains 500 words, the summary contains 147 words. Saved 71%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!