Hitachi Rail’s Masaccio train completes initial rollout in Italy

Built by Hitachi Rail, the Masaccio is claimed to reduce carbon emissions by up to 50 per cent compared to diesel-only trains that serve non-electrified lines across Europe. The first twenty units have left Hitachi Rail’s Pistoia factory near Florence and are operating across Italy under the ‘Blues’ brand for national operator Trenitalia.

On electrified routes, the Masaccio/Blues will use pantographs to draw power from overhead lines. On smaller regional routes with non-electrified lines, the train will use a combination of battery and diesel power. When near a station, the battery system can power the train on its own, eliminating diesel emissions including harmful nitrogen oxides as well as reducing noise pollution. The battery is also able to recharge while the train is in operation, both in diesel and electric mode, while a DAS (Driver Advisory System) also helps cut emissions by identifying the optimal speed for timetable reliability and energy efficiency.

“The roll-out of our cutting-edge Masaccio battery train marks an important step in our efforts to decarbonise European rail,” said Luca D’Aquila, COO of Hitachi Rail Group and CEO of Hitachi Rail Italy.

“With around 40 per cent of regional lines across the continent remaining un-electrified, battery hybrid technology can have an immediate impact. In Italy, the tribrid Blues train is helping cut carbon emissions by 50 per cent compared to existing diesel services. We know that consumers increasingly prioritise the sustainability of their travel choices. Trains like the Masaccio mean that we can ensure comfortable, clean and efficient rail is an option for as many people as possible across Europe.”

The completion of 20 Blues trains under the phase one rollout marks the first tranche of a €1.23bn framework agreement with Trenitalia for up to 135 trains, set to run across Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria, Tuscany, Lazio and Friuli Venezia Giulia. While Hitachi Rail already uses diesel-electric hybrid technology – as seen on the UK’s Intercity Express fleets – this is the first time batteries have been deployed as a major power source on a train fleet for commercial use anywhere in Europe, according to the company. 

Debuted at Innotrans 2022 in Berlin, the Masaccio has been designed to be suitable for railways across Europe. The trains are built at a Europe-wide gauge and with European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) digital signalling included onboard as standard.