Bid for new battery-powered trains

A train maker is promoting the idea of battery-powered trains that could be built at its East Yorkshire factory.

Siemens Mobility said the new models would replace diesel locomotives and run on tracks with no overhead electrification.

The firm said if train operators placed orders it would build them at its base in Goole.

The plant is part of a £200m rail village which is building trains for London Underground.

Siemens said the trains would be powered by overhead wires on already electrified routes, then switch to battery power where there are no wires.

Charging could also take place at stations using technology that allows the infrastructure to be connected to the domestic power grid.

The company claimed the UK could save £3.5bn by not having to electrify all of the rail network and phasing out diesel would cut 12m tonnes in CO2 emissions over 35 years.

Similar trains are already in operation in Germany.

A Siemens Mobility spokesperson said: “We’ve been talking to train operators, Network Rail and industry bodies as well as ministers and shadow ministers about our battery-electric trains, and are looking forward to bidding to provide them just as soon as the procurement competitions kick off.”

The site in Goole includes a service facility, logistics warehouse and development hub.

Siemens said it would create up to 700 jobs with a further 1,700 jobs in the supply chain.

Follow BBC East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]