Hybrid Train: The Future of Sustainable Transportation
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of
climate change, sustainable transportation has become an increasingly important
topic. One promising technology in this area is the hybrid train, which
combines the benefits of traditional locomotives with the efficiency of
electric power.
A hybrid train typically consists of a diesel engine and an
electric motor, which work together to power the train. The diesel engine
provides power to the electric motor, which in turn drives the wheels. This
setup allows the train to operate on both electrified and non-electrified
tracks, providing flexibility and reducing the need for expensive
infrastructure upgrades.
One of the key advantages of hybrid trains is their
environmental impact. Compared to traditional diesel locomotives, hybrid trains
are much more fuel-efficient and emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases.
This makes them an attractive option for countries looking to reduce their
carbon footprint and meet their emissions targets.
Another advantage of hybrid trains is their potential for
cost savings. By using a combination of diesel and electric power, these trains
can reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs, while also increasing their
lifespan. In addition, hybrid trains can operate on both electrified and
non-electrified tracks, reducing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
However, hybrid trains are not without their challenges. One
of the main obstacles is the initial cost of the technology, which can be
higher than that of traditional locomotives. In addition, hybrid trains require
specialized maintenance and training, which can add to their operational costs.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of hybrid
trains make them a promising option for the future of sustainable
transportation. As countries around the world work to reduce their carbon
footprint and meet their emissions targets, hybrid trains offer a
cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional
locomotives.
In conclusion, hybrid trains are an important technology in
the push towards sustainable transportation. By combining the benefits of
diesel and electric power, these trains offer significant cost and
environmental advantages, making them an attractive option for countries looking
to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their transportation
infrastructure. With continued investment and innovation, hybrid trains have
the potential to transform the way we travel and contribute to a more
sustainable future for all.
Market Dynamics of Hybrid Train Market
Driver in Hybrid
Train Market
Market dynamics for hybrid trains are being driven by the
increasing demand for energy-efficient transportation due to rising concerns
over the harmful effects of various means of transportation on the environment.
Rail transportation is relatively more energy-efficient and emits less CO2
compared to other modes of transport. According to the Energy Transport and
Environment Statistics 2020, the energy consumption of rail transport was 21.7%
lower compared to 1990. Moreover, the U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen
Program claims that hydrogen trains can save as much as 50% energy. In
addition, freight transportation by railways can reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 75% compared to freight transport by road, making it a
cost-effective method of increasing the use of renewable energy in transport
and reducing total transport greenhouse gas emissions.
The global trend toward greener forms of transport is
driving demand for hybrid trains, as supported by new government regulations.
However, the high overhaul and maintenance costs can be a potential obstacle to
the growth of the market. Despite these challenges, hybrid trains are more
environmentally friendly, and the demand for them is likely to increase over
the forecast period.
Hitachi, a multinational conglomerate company based in
Japan, developed the technology for hybrid trains. The trains are equipped with
an engine powered by battery-assisted diesel-electric machines, which results
in reduced NOx emissions, noise levels, and fuel consumption. As such, hybrid
trains are beneficial in reducing the negative impact of transportation on the
environment.
Restraints in Hybrid
Train Market
Train refurbishment has become increasingly popular due to
the need for increased vehicle capacity, the upgrading of old coaches, and the
demand for reduced travel costs. With rising passenger numbers and the desire
for modern amenities, it is necessary to refurbish the existing fleet of
trains. This also provides an opportunity to improve energy efficiency, update
vehicles as per current requirements, and address reliability issues.
Refurbishment programs like Eversholt’s upgrading project and the Renatus
program involve modernizing old trains, making them suitable for the current
market. Moreover, financial constraints also contribute to the increasing
number of train refurbishment programs as refurbishing existing trains
eliminates the need to purchase new ones and restricts the hybrid train market.
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the
public transport demand, government support for substitute fuel-powered railway
operations and the growing railway operations in industrial and mining
activities present potential opportunities for the growth of the hybrid train
market. OEMs are working toward developing hybrid trains that use alternative
fuel sources, such as hydrogen fuel cells, electric batteries, CNG, LNG, and
solar energy, to meet the required efficiency and emission standards. The
scarcity of natural resources and the rising cost of fuel will likely shift the
focus from diesel trains to eco-friendly transport, boosting the demand for
hybrid trains in the forecast period. Train operators, freight companies, and
government bodies are now more inclined toward trains having efficient and
eco-friendly operations. Countries like the UK and India have announced plans
to phase out conventional diesel trains, responsible for greenhouse gas
emissions, and shift to electric or hybrid trains in the coming years.
Opportunities in
Hybrid Train Market
The need for eco-friendly transportation and cost-effective
solutions for trains has led to an increasing demand for battery-powered
trains. This technology is expected to become a popular choice for the railway
industry, as the cost of lithium-ion batteries is expected to decrease in the
coming years. Currently, battery-powered locomotives are more affordable than
hydrogen-powered fuel cell locomotives. In Germany, Alstom SA has launched a
battery-powered multiple unit train and collaborated with Deutsche BAHN AG to
launch a battery train. Siemens AG has introduced the battery-powered Mireo
Plus B train and won a contract to supply 31 units of battery-powered trains.
Wabtec Corporation is also working on developing battery-electric locomotives
for freight transportation. Stadler Rail AG is supplying battery-powered FLIRT
trains to the State of Schleswig Holstein.
The growth of the hybrid train market is expected to be
driven by the increasing demand for energy-efficient and less polluting train
operations, the advantages of hybrid trains over conventional diesel trains,
and the increasing demand for public transit to reduce traffic congestion and
energy consumption. However, factors impeding the growth of the hybrid train
market include the high development cost and complexity of hybrid train
technologies and related infrastructure, high maintenance and repair expenses,
and the need to upgrade existing trains. Additionally, the availability of
alternative fuel options, such as hydrogen, may also limit the growth of
battery-powered trains.
The electro diesel segment currently holds the largest share
in the hybrid train market. These trains are powered by either an electricity
supply or an onboard diesel engine, making them a versatile option for
different types of railway tracks.
Challenges in Hybrid
Train Market
One of the challenges faced by the hybrid train industry is
the high cost of charging infrastructure and battery replacement.
Battery-operated trains require high-capacity chargers for their battery packs,
and manufacturers have not been able to offer chargers that can stop supplying
current as soon as the battery is charged, which can lead to overcharging and
harmful byproducts like hydrogen sulfide. Although reducing weight and
utilizing regenerative braking can increase energy efficiency, most hybrid trains
are not connected to the grid, making charging more challenging.
Furthermore, the cost of standalone battery packs is
significantly higher due to the involvement of multiple middlemen and
distributors. This, along with concerns regarding the operational health of the
battery pack during charging, difficulties in onboard charging, and high
aftermarket prices, are major concerns for manufacturers.
The hybrid train market report provides a detailed analysis
of the market, including recent developments, trade regulations, import-export
analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact
of domestic and local market players, emerging revenue pockets, changes in
market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category
market growth, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product
launches, geographic expansions, and technological innovations in the market.
For more information on the hybrid train market, contact Data Bridge Market
Research for an analyst brief, and their team can help make informed market
decisions to achieve market growth.
PKP Cargo and Pesa are expected to collaborate on a new
design based on Pesa's Gama locomotive platform, which will be verified by
TABOR. Following testing by PKP Cargo, the locomotive is expected to be
commissioned in 2022.
The 100-200 km/h segment is expected to lead the hybrid
train market during the forecast period as these trains primarily operate on
modified existing tracks. This segment currently holds a significant share of
the operational hybrid train market. Initially, electric propulsion coupled
with an existing diesel engine was used to power these trains. However,
advancements in hybrid train technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, CNG, and
battery-powered trains have gradually increased the operational speed of hybrid
trains.
For instance, Alstom, a major player in the market,
introduced the first-ever hydrogen fuel cell train in 2018, which operates at a
maximum speed of 140 km/h. The company also offers a battery-hybrid train that
can reach a top speed of 160 km/h. These technological advancements have
contributed to the increasing popularity of hybrid trains in the 100-200 km/h
segment.
In 2019, the European Investment Bank approved a loan worth
EUR 100 million to finance the procurement of 26 electric and 5 electro diesel
trainsets for RENFE, a Spanish railway company. This procurement, valued at EUR
201 million, also includes the modernization of depots at El Berrón and
Santander as part of the project. Such initiatives further boost the growth of
the hybrid train market in the 100-200 km/h segment.
According to industry projections, the North American hybrid
train market is expected to experience the highest growth globally. Major
players in the market such as Ballard, Wabtec Corporation, and Cummins are
based in the region and supply hybrid locomotives worldwide. In September 2021,
Wabtec Corporation received an order from Roy Hill in Australia for 100%
battery-powered heavy-haul locomotives. Freight transportation in the US is the
largest contributor to the market's size, and the recently approved investment
of USD 66 billion by the US congress in railway network development is expected
to drive market growth in the country. Canada's market is expected to grow
rapidly from 2022 to 2030, with demand coming from both freight and passenger
rail projects. In Europe, the increasing adoption of hybrid trains and
infrastructure construction activities contribute to the market's dominance. In
addition, the region's government initiatives to reduce carbon emissions are
expected to further drive market growth. The Asia-Pacific market is projected
to experience significant growth due to ongoing hybrid train projects, as well
as increasing demand for energy-efficient transportation systems in the region.
Emerging economies such as China and India, along with developed economies like
Japan, are driving the market in this region through new technologies and
government regulations.
China's urban rail transit has undergone significant growth
and transformation over the past decade, with a shift towards more networked
structures, advanced equipment, diversified systems, and innovative
technologies. The trend is now focused on adopting large-capacity subways in
the central areas of super cities and megacities, as well as medium-capacity
monorails, inner-city rapid rail transit systems, and magnetic suspension
trains between central urban areas and remote towns.
In 2019, the 100-200 km/hr operating speed segment held the
largest market share in China due to increased demand for electro-diesel trains
with operating speeds within this range. The market is expected to be further
driven by the production of other propulsion types, including hydrogen fuel
cell-powered, battery-operated, and other hybrid trains that also generally
have a maximum speed range of 100-200 km/hr.
Meanwhile, Indian Railways has implemented several
initiatives to promote sustainable transport, including the installation of
solar panels on the rooftop of Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains to
cater to hotel loads. Additionally, Indian Railways has started blending
high-speed diesel with 5% biodiesel for its locomotives and conducting pilot
projects involving running DEMU trains with compressed natural gas (CNG) on 18
trains.
Key Players in Hybrid Train Market
- CRRC
- ALSTOM
- SIEMENS
- WABTEC CORPORATION (GE TRANSPORTATION)
- HYUNDAI ROTEM COMPANY
- HITACHI
- CONSTRUCCIONES Y AUXILIAR DE FERROCARRILES (CAF)
- TOSHIBA
- CUMMINS
- STADLER RAIL AG
- ABB
- MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
- VIVARAIL
- BNSF
- BALLARD
- CHART INDUSTRIES
- RENFE OPERADORA
- SKODA TRANSPORTATION
- DB CARGO
- SNCF
- ROLLS-ROYCE
- THE KINKI SHARYO CO., LTD.
- KAWASAKI HEAVY INDUSTRIES
- ETIHAD RAIL
- SINARA TRANSPORT MACHINES
Recent Developments in Hybrid Train Market
The hybrid train market has witnessed several recent
developments that have enhanced the efficiency and eco-friendliness of hybrid
trains. In June 2022, CRRC launched HXN6 hybrid locomotive, which can reduce
fuel consumption and exhaust emission significantly while improving the diesel
engine's noise impact time. Moreover, it can also haul more than 10,000 tons of
cargo under single-locomotive shunting operation condition.
In May 2022, Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Siemens Mobility
introduced the Mireo Plus H, a next-generation hydrogen-powered train designed
to replace diesel multiple-unit trains in commuter and regional transport, thus
reducing rail-related CO2 emissions to zero. It also comes with a newly
designed mobile hydrogen storage trailer.
In April 2022, Alstom and ENGIE entered into a partnership
agreement to decarbonize rail operations by replacing diesel-powered
locomotives with hydrogen versions. Alstom is designing a hydrogen solution
based on a high-power fuel cell system that can power electric locomotives.
In February 2022, ABB received orders worth approximately
USD 80 million for energy-efficient traction and high-performance battery
technologies from Stadler (Switzerland) to power 59 new-generation
high-capacity double-deck commuter trains in Spain. The orders include compact
traction converters and high-power lithium-ion batteries.
In January 2022, Wabtec Corporation received an order from
BHP Western Australia Iron Ore for two FLXdrive battery locomotives with an
energy capacity of 7 megawatt hours (MWh) to be delivered in 2023.
Additionally, Wabtec Corporation and Rio Tinto have ordered four FLXdrive
battery-electric locomotives to support sustainable operations of the mining
company's rail network in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, to be
delivered in 2023. These recent developments in the hybrid train market have
boosted the efficiency, eco-friendliness, and capacity of hybrid trains,
enabling them to cater to a wider range of rail transport needs while also
reducing carbon emissions.
In recent years, the hybrid train market has seen
significant growth due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient and less
polluting train operations. Hybrid trains are a combination of diesel and
electric power systems, which help in reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
The market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by
various recent developments.
One of the recent developments in the hybrid train market is
the increased adoption of battery-powered trains. With the decreasing cost of
lithium-ion batteries, battery-powered locomotives have become a cost-effective
solution for the railway industry. Alstom SA and Siemens AG are among the
companies that have introduced battery-powered trains in recent years. Alstom
SA presented its battery-powered multiple unit train in Saxony (Germany), while
Siemens AG introduced the battery-powered Mireo Plus B train in 2021.
Another recent development in the market is the increasing
focus on freight transportation. With the rise in e-commerce and global trade,
the demand for freight transportation has increased. Hybrid trains are an
efficient solution for freight transportation, as they offer reduced emissions
and fuel consumption. In September 2021, Wabtec Corporation received an order
from Roy Hill (Australia) to supply 100% battery-powered, heavy-haul
locomotives, which will operate in a hybrid consist with diesel locomotives.
Furthermore, the hybrid train market has seen significant
growth in North America, with the region expected to be the fastest-growing
global market. The US congress has approved an investment of USD 66 billion for
the development of railway networks, which is expected to further augment the
market growth in the US. Ballard, Wabtec Corporation, and Cummins are among the
major players in the hybrid train market in North America.
Lastly, the rise in government initiatives towards
decreasing carbon emissions is expected to boost the growth of the hybrid train
market. Europe dominates the hybrid train market due to the increase in the
adoption of hybrid trains from advanced countries and rail infrastructure
construction activities. In Asia Pacific, several ongoing projects to launch
hybrid trains are expected to drive the market growth, with emerging economies
such as China and India playing a significant role.
In conclusion, the hybrid train market is witnessing several
recent developments that are expected to continue driving its growth in the
coming years. The increased adoption of battery-powered trains, focus on
freight transportation, and government initiatives towards decreasing carbon
emissions are among the factors driving the market growth.