The Anonymous Widower

Could Paddington And Minehead Be Within Range Of Hitachi Battery-Electric Intercity Trains?

I am prompted to ask this question, by an article in today’s Telegraph, which is entitled The New British Rail Services Reversing The Damage Of Beeching’s Axe.

Line 8. is given as the West Somerset Railway between London and Minehead?

This paragraph describes the idea.

As with the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) to Bewdley, the West Somerset Railway (WSR) looks like it could one day host mainline trains and connect communities along the route with destinations such as Taunton and Bristol. Like the SVR, the WSR is a very long and well-staffed heritage line with a long history (50 years, in fact, and it was one of Britain’s first heritage lines following its Beeching closure). Running to Minehead and Dunster, you don’t need me to tell you that this is a beautiful part of the world with numerous castles and beaches, and Exmoor National Park next door.

Note.

1. The author doesn’t mention London services in the text.
2. Batteries are no mentioned either.
3. Minehead will be only about twenty miles from Hinckley Point C nuclear power station.

Is it feasible?

What Is The Battery Range Of An Hitachi Intercity Tri-Mode Battery Train?

In The Data Sheet For Hitachi Battery Electric Trains, I came to these conclusions.

• The battery pack has a capacity of 750 kWh.
• A five-car train needs three battery-packs to travel 100 miles.
• A nine-car train needs five battery-packs to travel 100 miles.
• The maximum range of a five-car train with three batteries is 117 miles.
• The maximum range of a nine-car train with five batteries is 121 miles.

As battery technology gets better, these distances will increase.

What Is The Distance Between Minehead And Taunton?

I shall be using 24.8 miles, which I have calculated from figures given in the Wikipedia entry for the West Somerset Railway.

What is The Distance Between Paddington And Taunton Via Newbury?

I shall be using 142.6 miles, which I have calculated from figures given in RealTimeTrains.

What Is The Maximum Range From Paddington Via Newbury Of An Hitachi Intercity Tri-Mode Battery Train?

Consider.

• The electrification runs between Paddington and Newbury.
• The distance between Paddington and Newbury is 53 miles, according to RealTimeTrains.
• Paddington and Taunton is almost 30 miles shorter by Newbury.

This Google Map shows Taunton station.

Taunton station looks spacious with numerous platforms and a hotel.

I believe that a five-car Hitachi Intercity train leaving Newbury with three full batteries could travel as far as 53+117 or 170 miles from Paddington.

Could A Hitachi Intercity Five-Car Train Reach Taunton?

This would mean that Taunton would be in range as it is only 142.6 miles.

The train would need to be recharged before returning to London.

Could A Hitachi Intercity Five-Car Train Reach Minehead?

But it could also have enough power in the batteries to reach Minehead, which is only a further 24.8 miles or 167.4 miles in total.

As with Taunton, the train would need to be recharged before returning to London.

Options For Charging Trains That Are Returning To London

This OpenRailwayMap shows the tracks through Taunton.

Note.

1. Taunton station is indicated by the blue arrow.
2. Running East-West across the map and through Taunton station, is the Reading-Taunton Line.
3. Running more North-South across the map and through Taunton station, is the ~Bristol-Exeter Line.
4. The two lines split going East at Cogload junction.
5. Taunton station and Cogload junction are about 4.5 miles apart.
6. Trains typically take about six minutes between the two places.

I believe there are three options for charging the trains.

Option 1 – Charge In Minehead Station

This would be possible, but as not all trains go to Minehead station, it probably wouldn’t be very practical.

Option 2 – Charge In Taunton Station

This would be possible, especially as most trains seem to call in Taunton station.

Option 3 – Electrify Between West Of Taunton Station And East Of Cogload Junction

Consider.

• The length of the electrification could be as long as is necessary.
• Trains would charge their batteries at Line speed.
• Pantographs would be raised and lowered at line speed.
• Trains would not have to call at Taunton station.
• Trains could charge their batteries on both routes.
• Trains could charge their batteries in both directions.

I believe this could be the most efficient way to charge trains through Taunton.

 

 

 

June 8, 2026 - Posted by AnonW | Energy, Transport/Travel | Bristol - Exeter Line, Discontinuous Electrification, Hitachi Intercity Tri-Mode Battery Train, Newbury Station, Nuclear Power, Reading-Taunton Line, Taunton