As part of testing prior to entering passenger service, Transport for Wales 230006 has been on accumulation trials on the Cotswold Line.
230006 is the UK’s first battery hybrid that has been built for Transport for Wales for use on the Wrexham to Bidston line.
The train is also geo-fenced so that the gensets are never used in stations or sensitive areas, although, the batteries are extremely quiet anyway.
As a battery train with a range of 60+ miles and its fast-charge system that can recharge the batteries in just 10 minutes, the Class 230 can replicate the service of an outgoing diesel train.
230006 will have to undergo further tests before driver training can begin, and the introduction into passenger service can begin.
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Responses
Would be even more efficient/less emissions if lightweight modern bodies and bogies were used instead of re-used heavey weight D stock?
Recycling ecology at it’s best, another new term to take on board is “geo-fencing”…which wizz-kid dreamed that one up! I wish someone would geo-fence the class 171 units on the Uckfield line!
Great to see the Class 230 Diesel-Battery hybrid multiple unit (DBHMU) trains to operate the Transport for Wales Wrexham-Bidston Line. When the testing has been completed.
Plus Island Line is due to have the Class 484 coming into service this year to replace the 80 year old Class 483 tube trains that were once used on the London Underground before being cascaded to Isle of Wight in 1989.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivarail
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_230
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_484
I’m looking forward to a trip on one of these when things get back to normal.