Hitachi Rail has completed phase one of its production of the ground-breaking battery Masaccio train at its factory in Pistoia, near Florence, and is operating on routes across the length and breadth of Italy.
Under a €1.23 billion framework agreement with Trenitalia, Hitachi Rail has completed the production of 20 Masaccio trains, known as 'Blues,' which are already in operation on various lines across Italy. The agreement entails up to 135 trains being deployed across Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria, Tuscany, Lazio, and Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Europe’s first "tribrid" battery train
The Masaccio train boasts cutting-edge hybrid technology, enabling it seamlessly to draw from battery, electric, hybrid, and diesel power. While Hitachi Rail already uses diesel-electric hybrid technology, pioneered by the UK's Intercity Express fleets, the deployment of batteries as a primary power source in a train fleet for commercial use is a first in Europe.
The train's ability to recharge while in service, using the pantograph or traction motors, ensures uninterrupted green journeys without sacrificing availability.
This innovative technology significantly reduces carbon emissions and fuel costs by 50 percent compared to standard diesel trains. By running on battery power when travelling through non-electrified urban areas, the Masaccio train eliminates harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and reduces noise pollution.
The train's Driver Advisory System (DAS) further cuts emissions by identifying the optimal speeds for timetable reliability and energy consumption reduction.
Additionally, the Masaccio trains are constructed using 93 percent recyclable materials, further enhancing their sustainability credentials.
Solving Europe’s electrification challenge
A considerable portion – around 40 percent – of rail lines across Europe are not electrified, with more than half of European trains relying entirely on diesel fuel. In Italy alone, there are over 4,000km of track that are not electrified – with 10,000s of kilometres in a similar position across Europe that are currently serviced solely by diesel trains.
Electrifying these active lines would be expensive, disruptive, and could take decades – or may not happen at all. The Masaccio trains provide an immediate solution to decarbonise European passenger rail and overcome the challenges associated with electrification.
Battery trains offer a particularly effective solution for branch lines or areas with challenging geographical or topological features that make electrification difficult. The battery power provides the trains with additional power and acceleration to conquer tough gradients.
Moreover, the train's flexible design allows for interior customisation to accommodate various needs, ranging from high-density commuter journeys to providing ample space for leisure equipment like snowboards or mountain bikes.
A battery train for all of Europe
Debuted at Innotrans 2022 in Berlin, the Masaccio platform has been designed to meet the requirements of railways across Europe. The trains are built to European-wide gauge specifications and come equipped with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) digital signalling as a standard feature.
An evolving decarbonisation solution
Across Europe, countries are committed to decarbonising the transportation sector, with the EU aiming for a 55 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. Sustainable transport is key to achieving these goals.
Similar to advancements in the automotive industry, battery technology in the rail sector is rapidly progressing, with battery range continually increasing and production costs having been reduced by 80 percent since 2010.
The Masaccio train will continue to evolve, and the anticipated next model, expected in two years, will operate solely on battery power, with a journey range of over 100km.
Furthermore, the technology is retrofittable, suggesting that today's hybrid trains are likely to become battery-only trains in the future.
Luca D’Aquila, Chief Operating Officer of Hitachi Rail Group and CEO of Hitachi Rail Italy, said: “The roll-out of our cutting-edge Masaccio battery train marks an important step in our efforts to decarbonise European rail.
“With around 40 percent of regional lines across the continent remaining un-electrified, battery hybrid technology can have an immediate impact.
“In Italy, the tribrid Blues train is helping cut carbon emissions by 50 percent compared to existing diesel services. We know that consumers increasingly prioritise the sustainability of their travel choices.
“Trains like the Masaccio mean that we can ensure comfortable, clean and efficient rail is an option for as many people as possible across Europe.”