Hitachi Rail and Trenitalia have unveiled its first intercity battery train that will enter service in Southern Italy this summer.
The trains will run on routes between Calabria, Basilicata and Puglia and are an evolution of Hitachi Rail’s Masaccio fleet, which first entered service in serving urban and commuter routes across Italy in December 2022.
The long-distance hybrid battery train uses innovative hybrid technology allowing it to seamlessly draw from battery, electric, hybrid and diesel power. The hybrid driving mode, allows energy recovery during deceleration and braking, and can reduce carbon emissions by up to 83% compared to current diesel-powered trains.
“Our hybrid intercity battery train is a sustainable, innovative train with cutting-edge performance. Our train is designed to make journeys even safer, more comfortable and greener, supporting Trenitalia in its goal of equipping the country with a fleet of modern trains for the benefit of passengers and the environment,” Luca D’Aquila, the CEO Hitachi Rail Italy said.
The new intercity battery train, which is characterised by own livery and interiors, combines cutting-edge technology with the comfort and travel experience of intercity trains. The fleet is equipped with an innovative air conditioning system which optimises consumption based on the number of passengers on board enhanced bike stations and substantial luggage transport capacity. The intercity battery train can reach a top speed of 160 km/h with an acceleration of 1.10 m/sec2.
The new trains are part of a EUR 1.23 billion framework agreement signed with Trenitalia for the supply of up to 135 trains that will run across Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria, Tuscany, Lazio and Friuli Venezia Giulia.
In June 2023, Hitachi Rail has completed the production of Masaccio tribrid train ordered by Trenitalia. According to the agreement, the rolling stock manufacturer delivers 20 trains as the first tranche stipulated in the firm order.
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