TRIALS using a Vivarail Class 230 battery hybrid multiple unit were operated on September 9-10 between Evesham and Moreton-in-Marsh.

In addition to diesel power on its converted trains, Vivarail can harness battery power, with hydrogen eventually planned. The company is building on tests undertaken in 2018 when its development set No. 230002 ran 60 miles between charges.

The current tests involved two battery driving motor cars, with the addition of an intermediate car, housing four diesel gensets.  

The batteries are the primary traction source, but are charged by the gensets. Energy is also captured through regenerative braking.

The train was undergoing a series of tests on the batteries and gensets in preparation for the delivery of a fleet of five trains for Transport for Wales to use on the Wrexham to Bidston line.

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