Testing of the first class 93 tri-mode locomotive for Rail Operations Group has commenced at Stadler’s test facility in Valencia, Spain. This represents a significant milestone in the project which will deliver an initial ten locomotives to the Rail Operations Group for use across the UK rail network. The advanced locomotives will be destined for rail freight operations, with the potential to handle passenger transport services too.

Bi-mode is smart, but tri-mode is just too cool for school. Stadler and the UK Rail Operations Group have gone to the top of the clean and green class with their joint project. The first class 93 tri-mode locomotive for Rail Operations Group has completed the scheduled activities in Stadler’s facilities in Valencia, Spain, and will shortly be transported to the UK for further testing. All that’s needed are the completion of necessary acceptance procedures with the relevant authorities. Teachers’ pets, the pair of them.

Wires, batteries and diesel

The locomotives will have three different power sources, and in electric mode, can run on 25kV AC overhead lines with a power up to 4,600 kW. They feature a Stage V 900 kW-engine and two Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) traction battery packs, allowing them to operate on non-electrified lines. The battery packs provide 400 kW extra power to supplement the engine when the locomotives are running in diesel/battery hybrid mode. The batteries modules can also work alone, enabling carbon-free operations.

Commenting on the locomotives David Burley, Chief Executive Officer, Rail Operations Group, said “the class 93 fleet with its array of green credentials, will allow us to lead the way in supporting the rail industry in delivery of its decarbonisation targets. Further, with its impressive state-of-the-art specification, the class 93s also allow us to diversify and develop new markets whilst modernising many aspects of UK train operations”.

Great operating versatility, incredible energy efficiency

The advanced locomotives will significantly reduce exhaust gas emissions for both rail freight and potential passenger transport services, supporting net zero targets in the UK. They also include efficiency features to minimise energy consumption. The high-efficiency transformer and the AC traction system with IGBT technology (insulated-gate bipolar transistors), one inverter per axle, enable better adhesion control, reduce energy consumption and increase reliability. Kinetic energy is recuperated during braking.

Stadler and ROG have been collaborating for five years to specify and design the locomotive. “The end product, the Class 93 tri-mode, is a locomotive of great operating versatility, incredible energy efficiency”, says a company spokesman. “Packed full of technology which, not only allows us to transform UK train operations but lead the way in UK rail decarbonisation. The locomotive also enables Rail Operations to penetrate new operating markets, in particular express freight, previously unavailable using its existing locomotive fleet.”