Presented at an event in Reggio Calabria by Italian train operator Trenitalia, new hybrid intercity battery train is the first of seven due to be manufactured this year. The trains will run on routes between Calabria, Basilicata and Puglia, and are part of a wider €1.23bn framework agreement for hybrid battery trains with Trenitalia.
The intercity train is an evolution of Hitachi Rail’s Masaccio fleet, which first entered service on urban and commuter routes across Italy in December 2022. As previously reported by The Engineer the Masaccio is a so-called Tribrid train that is powered by a combination of overhead power, diesel and batteries.
The new intercity train uses the same hybrid approach, seamlessly switching between battery, electric, hybrid and diesel power as well as drawing on energy recovered during deceleration and braking. According to a statement from Hitachi Rail, this hybrid system reduces carbon emissions by up to 83 per cent compared to current diesel-powered trains.
With a top speed of 160 km/h and an acceleration of 1.10 m/sec2 the new trains combine cutting-edge technology with the comfort and travel experience of intercity trains. For instance, the fleet is equipped with an innovative air conditioning system which optimises consumption based on the number of passengers on board.
"Our hybrid intercity battery train is a sustainable, innovative train with cutting-edge performance”, said Luca D'Aquila, COO of the Hitachi Rail Group and CEO Hitachi Rail Italy. “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."
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