Hitachi Rail’s Masaccio train completes initial rollout in Italy

Built by Hitachi Rail, the Masaccio is claimed to reduce carbon emissions by up to 50 per cent compared to diesel-only trains that serve non-electrified lines across Europe. The first twenty units have left Hitachi Rail’s Pistoia factory near Florence and are operating across Italy under the ‘Blues’ brand for national operator Trenitalia.

On electrified routes, the Masaccio/Blues will use pantographs to draw power from overhead lines. On smaller regional routes with non-electrified lines, the train will use a combination of battery and diesel power. When near a station, the battery system can power the train on its own, eliminating diesel emissions including harmful nitrogen oxides as well as reducing noise pollution. The battery is also able to recharge while the train is in operation, both in diesel and electric mode, while a DAS (Driver Advisory System) also helps cut emissions by identifying the optimal speed for timetable reliability and energy efficiency.