Case Study: Hitachi Rail Europe achieves up to 30% fuel and carbon savings with Turntide Technologies battery hybrid solution

Hitachi partners with Turntide to provide more sustainable rail journeys in the UK

Hitachi Rail Europe partnered with Turntide Technologies to accelerate rail decarbonization in the UK by retrofitting existing trains with battery‑hybrid technology. Faced with the challenge of delivering integrated, high‑energy battery systems that meet stringent rail safety and performance requirements without extensive train redesign, Hitachi sought an electrification partner with deep cell‑chemistry and system‑integration expertise—Turntide provided that battery and electrification capability.

Turntide Technologies designed a modular, high‑energy rail battery pack and management system (scalable packs with multi‑kV nominal configurations and >750 kWh class capacity) that can be retrofitted to intercity trains, support up to ~90 km battery‑only operation, and recharge from overhead lines in motion. The solution meets rail standards, is expected to cut fuel costs and carbon emissions by up to 30%, improves noise and air quality, and offers service lifetimes of roughly 4–15 years depending on duty cycles.

Hitachi Rail Europe