The first European train fleet featuring tribid technology — denoting the capability to operate on battery, electric and diesel power — is now riding the rails in Italy.

Twenty of these Masaccio trains have been engineered by Hitachi Rail for Trenitalia, the primary train operator in Italy. While Hitachi Rail already uses diesel-electric hybrid technology, the inclusion of batteries as a primary power source in a train fleet for commercial use is a first in Europe.

The ability of the system to recharge while in service by use of pantographs or traction motors ensures uninterrupted green journeys without sacrificing availability. By running on battery power when traveling through non-electrified urban areas, the Masaccio train eliminates harmful nitrogen oxides emissions and reduces noise pollution. The technology also reduces carbon emissions and fuel costs by 50% relative to standard diesel trains. A driver advisory system helps to achieve emission control by identifying the optimal speeds for timetable reliability and energy consumption reduction.

Battery power provides these trains with increased energy capacity and acceleration to tackle tough gradients. The Masaccio train will continue to evolve, and its next model will operate as a battery-only train with a journey range of over 100 km. The technology is also retrofittable, meaning that currently operating hybrid trains will transition to become battery-only in the future.