Oxford to Bedford could be a candidate for battery trains?

[duffield]

I wonder if Oxford to Bedford would be a candidate for battery trains. I'm sure I saw a claim from Vivarail that by the end of this year they would have battery trains capable of a 60 mile range *and* a 10 minute recharge. Given that Oxford to Bedford will be about 50 miles by rail, this looks at least somewhat doable. 10 minute+ layover in the bay platforms at each end might be expected anyhow.
Or is this totally impractical? Any thoughts?

 

[camflyer]

I wonder if Oxford to Bedford would be a candidate for battery trains. I'm sure I saw a claim from Vivarail that by the end of this year they would have battery trains capable of a 60 mile range *and* a 10 minute recharge. Given that Oxford to Bedford will be about 50 miles by rail, this looks at least somewhat doable. 10 minute+ layover in the bay platforms at each end might be expected anyhow.
Or is this totally impractical? Any thoughts?

Interesting idea.. and it would avoid the problem of overhead cables and the "wires coming down"

 

[Andyjs247]

I wonder if Oxford to Bedford would be a candidate for battery trains. I'm sure I saw a claim from Vivarail that by the end of this year they would have battery trains capable of a 60 mile range *and* a 10 minute recharge. Given that Oxford to Bedford will be about 50 miles by rail, this looks at least somewhat doable. 10 minute+ layover in the bay platforms at each end might be expected anyhow.
Or is this totally impractical? Any thoughts?

I don’t believe Oxford to Bedford would be suitable for battery trains. Or hydrogen powered trains for that matter. Oxford to Bletchley will be mostly 100mph although the Marston Vale section is going to remain 60mph.

I would love to see electrification throughout but probably the best that can be hoped for at this stage is more conventional diesel bi-modes which at least can reliably run at 100mph+ and comfortably cover ~48 miles off the juice.

The Inspector’s report makes several references to diesel power - perhaps an admission that previously touted but as yet unproven hydrogen bi-modes are not suitable. Similarly for battery power. Class 185s have also been mentioned but would not be able to take advantage of 100/75mph speed differentials. I don’t think we should be building more diesel-only trains so maybe some more 755s would be suitable.