Ground-breaking battery-powered train launched in Chesterfield

Positive Traction has launched the country’s first re-engineered battery-powered shunting locomotive in fromt of invited guests from the Railfreight sector, UK government and council, as well as rolling stock owners, at Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

Alistair Gregory, Director of Positive Traction said: “Class 08 shunting locomotives have been the workhorses of ports, distribution centres and depots across Britain’s railway for over 60 years. As the UK moves towards Net Zero, diesel engines are increasingly unacceptable. To address this challenge, the 08e is a cost-effective battery-powered alternative for environmentally friendly facility operations.

“I’d like to thank all our partners for supporting our cleaner, greener UK transport vision, including Lithion Battery Inc. and Barrow Hill Limited.

Stagecoach Yorkshire and their partner Volvo, who supplied the latest electric Volvo BXL bus to bring guests from Chesterfield station to the launch in a sustainable way.”

After the launch, the eco-friendly train will remain on test at Barrow Hill before moving to a customer site for operational evaluation.

Chesterfield has a history of innovation and is located at the heart of the UK’s largest rail cluster.

This will continue at Barrow Hill with the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle, which will be built as part of the Staveley Town Deal.

The centre will provide 1,423 square metres of floor space, consisting of classroom and workshop training areas. Additionally, the centre will boast specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial offices. DRIIVe will support a network of speciality training providers – offering rail-related education from level 2 to postgraduate training and research.