Vivarail intends to show off a new design of battery-powered zero-emission Class 230 unit at next month’s COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow.
The unit can reach speeds of 80mph and recharge in just ten minutes. A fast-proving trial is being organised to enable the three-car set to make daily demonstration runs between Glasgow Central and Barrhead between November 1-5 and November 8-11, to display its capabilities to invited guests.
Although neither the full technical specification nor its livery has been revealed before it sees daylight, the ‘230’ was due to head for Scotland in mid-October (after this issue of RAIL went to press) for its first public view.
As part of the spirit of collaboration across the rail industry for the COP26 summit, Vivarail has been helped by SLC Operations, Alstom and VTG with the supply of drivers, electrical charging and transport.
The prototype, which the company admits may not go into full production, is a collaboration with Network Rail and features three new-design batteries in each leading car instead of the conventional two. The project has been part-financed by an Innovate UK grant.
To read the full story, see RAIL 942.
Arthur Ruminant - 08/10/2021 18:50
This is exactly the kind of thinking, enablement, and practical engineering required to help our railway achieve reduced emissions. 80 mph is very good, and with fast charging it makes it a realistic train for a metro service. Replacement of the ageing 150s…a Bristol metro for example?