Hitachi Rail has unveiled its first long-distance hybrid battery train, which will help to cut carbon emissions by 83% when it enters service later this year. Trenitalia, Italy’s primary train operator, presented its new ‘hybrid intercity battery train’ at an event in Reggio Calabria; it 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 1.23 billion 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 throughout Italy in December 2022.

Hitachi says the intercity battery train uses ‘innovative hybrid technology’ that allows it to seamlessly draw from battery, electric, hybrid and diesel power. “The hybrid driving mode, allows energy recovery during deceleration and braking, and can reduce carbon emissions by up to 83% compared to current diesel-powered trains.”

The new intercity trains, which are equipped with an innovative air-conditioning system that optimises consumption based on the number of passengers on board, can reach a top speed of 160km/hr with an acceleration of 1.10m/sec².