The train, which can travel using a diesel engine, with the pantograph on electrified lines, and with batteries, achieves a 50% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2e compared to current diesel trains. It can reach a top speed of 160 km/h, with an acceleration of 1.10 m/sec2, and accommodate up to 300 people seated in the four-car composition.
The new hybrid regional train, called “Blues”, has been built by Hitachi Rail for Trenitalia as it looks to decarbonize its rail network. Piazza della Repubblica in Florence is the first stop on a tour that will present a full-scale model (1: 1) of the Blues train in the main Italian squares.
Blues is made with materials that guarantee high levels of recyclability (93%) and recoverability (96%). The design was inspired by the desire to offer passengers a comfortable travel experience, according to Hitachi.
The first Blues trains will be delivered to the Tuscany Region by the end of 2022.
Andrew Barr, CEO of Hitachi Rail, said, “This is an exciting next step in our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our trains. The teams designed this ‘tri-brid’ train using life cycle analysis principles that take us closer to the circular economy, and the combination of electric, diesel and battery traction technologies put a real dent in the train’s carbon emissions as well.
“We are very proud of the Hitachi Rail team and grateful to Trenitalia for the opportunity to take the Blues train on its first roadshow.”
Watch a video of Blues in action here:
Hitachi Rail has also recently launched a new digital website dedicated to its Digital CSR & Sustainability Report 2021. The report and website set out how the company is reducing its carbon emissions and improving transport around the world. In 2020-2021, Hitachi Rail achieved a 30.5% cut in carbon emissions by improving energy management activities and using more renewable energy.