Network Rail and Vivarail have announced that Vivarail’s next-generation battery train will be launched at COP26 and will run daily services throughout the international climate change conference.

The zero-emission train uses new batteries, developed by Vivarail, to combine maximum range with the ability to recharge quickly.  

The result is a train that can travel for up to 80 miles on battery power and recharge in only 10 minutes using Vivarail’s patented Fast Charge system.

Fast Charge’s development was supported by an Innovate UK grant and will shortly begin its final stage of Network Rail approvals – a live trial on the Greenford line starting in early 2022.

At COP26, Vivarail will support the UK Government and wider rail industry’s ambition to reach Net Zero and carbon reduction targets by bringing to life this emission-free technology to a number of audiences, including graduates and global partners.

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “We are ambitious to make our railways even greener and I am delighted that Vivarail will launch their flagship battery train at COP26, thanks to investment from our Accelerating Innovation programme.

“Decarbonising the rail network is crucial to reaching net-zero by 2050 and this technology is another example of how we are building back greener.”