Now that more and more battery-powered cars are hitting the road worldwide, Denmark is turning its attention to its rail system, and will run two tests starting next year in live passenger service.
Denmark is especially interested in the project because it has committed to start retiring diesel-powered trains by 2025. Switching to battery power rather than overhead wire or third rail could mean savings in construction, and a line that, like diesel, relies on the train to bring its own power, would save on track maintenance, and be more reliable in winter storms.
The test will start sometime next year, once suppliers have been chosen. Under an agreement between the Ministry of Transport & Housing and regional authorities, trials will take place on the Helsingør – Hillerød line north of Copenhagen and on a line linking Vemb, Lemvig and Thyborøn in Jutland.
Transport Minister Benny Engelbrecht says he hopes the test will be successful, and allow time to order battery trains for 2025 and on.
