UK's Battery-Powered Trains: A Greener Future for Rail Travel
Battery-powered trains are being developed in the UK as a greener alternative to diesel engines, with Hitachi testing a 'tri-mode' train that uses lithium batteries to reduce fuel consumption. These trains can switch between power sources and recharge on electrified tracks, potentially saving on infrastructure costs. While battery trains are already in use in Japan and Germany, safety concerns exist due to the risk of lithium battery fires. However, extensive testing and safety measures, such as heat shields and cooling units, have been implemented to mitigate these risks.