Hitachi Rail lancia il primo intercity elettrico a batteria. Trenitalia ne ha ordinati sei

The Japanese conglomerate Hitachi Rail has unveiled its first battery-electric Intercity train, the Intercity Bemu, at the Innotrans exhibition in Berlin. This marks a significant advancement in the group's engineering and industrial capabilities. The trains, manufactured in Pistoia and Napoli, can operate on electrified and non-electrified lines, making them versatile for various service routes.

Currently, Trenitalia, the Italian state railway, has ordered six of these battery-powered trains as part of a framework agreement to supply regional Blue trains. These trains boast a 15-year full-service maintenance plan and come equipped with onboard batteries, allowing them to travel up to 100 km/h on non-electrified lines. The battery system also enables energy recovery during braking, enhancing overall efficiency.

This feature is particularly useful for routes partially electrified, where it can substitute diesel locomotives effectively. The batteries also provide flexibility in maneuvering, such as in areas without power or in special scenarios like accessing carriages with passengers on board. In emergency situations, the trains ensure continuous operation even with prolonged network power interruptions.

With over 600 kWh of battery capacity, the trains can reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h and accommodate 200 passengers. The spacious interiors feature large glass surfaces, extended window panes, and main traction components mounted on the roof, providing maximum visibility and accessibility. Hitachi Rail also announced the introduction of the "Enhanced by HMAX" digital asset management platform, extending its capabilities to all business assets, including rolling stock, signaling, infrastructure, and operations.

This step is a significant move towards integrating advanced AI and data analytics into global railway systems. Starting from 2027, all new Hitachi Rail trains will be equipped with the HMAX sensor technology, which monitors real-time data from critical systems to enable constant performance monitoring, early issue detection, and optimized maintenance and operations throughout the asset's lifecycle.