[holding answer 6 March 2009]: Exclusive of passenger capacity, and when compared to an Intercity 225 train, the Super Express train will consume just over 2 per cent. less energy on a typical journey between London and Edinburgh.
The energy consumption rate increases as the train's speed increases. Super Express trains will offer faster journeys than today's Intercity 225 trains. The new trains could be made more energy efficient if they were to operate as slowly as the current trains, although this would result in a less competitive rail service.