Derby-based Porterbrook Leasing Co, which specialises in the leasing of all types of railway rolling stock and associated equipment, has completed an engineering assessment that makes a positive case for the conversion of one of the UK’s most reliable trains into a battery/electric bi-mode train.

With the addition of the latest battery technology, Porterbrook is confident that the 350/2 BatteryFLEX would be able
to match or out-perform diesel trains on existing non-electrified routes, particularly in key corridors across the North of England.

CEO Mary Grant said: “Porterbrook has an unrivalled reputation for innovation. The addition of the BatteryFLEX to our rolling-stock portfolio will help train operators to further reduce their carbon footprint and emissions, while maintaining performance and delivery.

"We believe this ‘green’ technology could have a huge impact across the country, delivering cleaner travel on our rail network, including on picturesque routes like the Lakes Line.”

Porterbrook (www.porterbrook.co.uk) has modelled the energy and power demands for routes such as the Windermere branch, where a BatteryFLEX version of the Class 350/2 fleet would eliminate diesel use on non-electrified lines, while maintaining the ability of these highly reliable trains to operate using overhead electric wires.

Modelling of Class 350/2 performance over high-speed routes such as the West Coast Main Line also shows that these trains can match or out-perform existing rolling stock — particularly on local services — thanks to their high levels of acceleration and performance.

Porterbrook is currently in discussions with specialists in battery chemistry to create a demonstrator unit that can showcase this new technology to train operators.