The British company Turntide Technologies is set to expand its production capacity for high-voltage railway batteries using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology at its factory in Sunderland, in order to meet the growing demand generated by the development of hybrid and trimodal trains.
The decision comes against the backdrop of an increase in orders from Hitachi Rail, following the recent achievement of a new production milestone, as well as the growing use of hybrid technologies in rail transport worldwide.
The high-voltage battery systems developed by Turntide enable hybrid and trimodal trains to operate on both electrified and non-electrified lines, reducing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
LFP battery technology helps to reduce operating costs, extend range and facilitate the transition to zero-emission rail transport, whilst also reducing dependence on fossil fuels, noise pollution and the impact on air quality.
These batteries will be manufactured exclusively at the Sunderland plant. The new systems will be fitted to the fleet ordered by operator Arriva Grand Central, with the trains being built by Hitachi Rail at its Newton Aycliffe works in County Durham.
The expansion of production supports the development of hybrid trains
“The global rail industry is rapidly moving towards hybrid and trimodal platforms, as operators seek practical solutions to reduce emissions, increase efficiency and expand electrified rail networks. “Our ongoing collaboration with Hitachi Rail reflects both the dynamics of this market and the confidence in Turntide’s high-voltage LFP battery technology,” said Steve Hornyak, Chief Executive of Turntide Technologies.
The Sunderland plant has the production space and testing facilities required to increase the manufacturing capacity of LFP battery systems. Paul Turbitt, Senior Director of Strategic Operations at Turntide Technologies, will oversee the expansion.
The expansion of the production facility strengthens Turntide’s position in the market for energy storage solutions for rolling stock and responds to the global trend towards the partial electrification of rail networks, where hybrid and trimodal trains represent an efficient alternative for lines that are not fully electrified.
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