EWR have also updated their strategy for powering the trains following the Autumn budget…

As part of their latest proposals, which EWR will be sharing for public consultation from 14 November, they’re providing information on a preference for green traction power in the form of discontinuous electrification with hybrid battery-electric trains, after the Chancellor confirmed government support for the project in the Autumn budget.

As well as reducing carbon emissions, discontinuous electrification would mean overhead lines would only need to be installed along some sections of the route, which would reduce disruption to existing structures and potentially reduce visual impacts in more sensitive locations on the new railway between Bedford and Cambridge. This option would also cost less than full electrification and would need less land for things such as mast foundations.