A lot has been written about battery hybrid trains in recent years. Especially since the first battery powered passenger train entered service in the UK little over a year ago in 2023, which sparked a great deal more interest and conversation. And it looks like more battery hybrid trains are on their way too, with new fleets of hybrid trains being launched in the UK, Germany and other countries around the world.
Of course, with all this interest comes a lot of misinformation and one of the key areas of focus (and even objection) has been the limited lifespan of battery hybrid trains. So, the big question when it comes to battery locomotives is exactly how long does the battery last before it needs replacing? The answer could affect the popularity and uptake of battery hybrids on a larger scale. Although, as you will see, the reality is that battery technology is already very advanced and only going to improve over time.
So, what is the average lifespan of a battery for a diesel hybrid locomotive? The answer is that it depends on various factors. In general, locomotive batteries typically last between 5 to 10 years, although this can vary according to usage. The different types of battery available can also impact the longevity. For example lead-acid batteries tend to last a little longer, with an average of 7 to 12 years while lithium-ion batteries can regularly exceed 10 years.
A five year discrepancy in the average lifespan might seem like a lot but there are multiple factors influencing the life period of a battery. Not only does it heavily depend on the battery type (whether it is lead-acid or lithium-ion, for example) but the usage patterns of the battery are also key to its longevity. Then there are the environmental conditions such as average temperatures and moisture levels, as well as the maintenance practices carried out by the train operator. There is also the fact that in a hybrid locomotive, lead-acid batteries have a longer lifespan as the diesel engine compensates for any decline in performance over time.
As mentioned above, battery technology is constantly improving. Advances in battery technology, particularly lithium-ion, are leading to longer lifespans and better performance, largely thanks to better energy density and management systems. So in the future, hybrid batteries can be expected to have significantly longer lifespans.
Of course, batteries do need to be replaced and there are often tell-tale signs they are coming to the end of their useful life. Indicators for battery replacement include the inability to hold a charge, increased charging times and reduced locomotive performance. If you find that batteries are frequently showing replacement signs towards the lower end of their average lifespan, then this may indicate that regular maintenance procedures need to be enhanced.
Here at Clayton Equipment, our team specialises in custom-designed battery locomotives and collaborates closely with our customers to find optimised solutions, including battery capacity and regenerative braking systems.
To find out more about battery conversions or to book a demo of one of our latest battery hybrid locomotives, get in touch with a member of our team.