Rail provider invests £300m in new battery hybrid train fleet
Arriva Group has announced an order for nine cutting-edge battery hybrid trains to replace its entire Grand Central fleet, providing a major boost to regional economies and offering passengers more comfortable, greener travel options.
The order for 45 Hitachi Rail ‘tri-mode’ cars, which have the flexibility to run on electrified and non-electrified tracks, along with a 10-year maintenance contract, represents an investment of around £300 million.
Tri-mode means the trains can be powered using electricity, battery or diesel.
It follows approval by the rail regulator for extended track access rights for Grand Central’s existing services through to 2038, with the investment underpinning Arriva’s long-term commitment to UK rail and to delivering sustainable public transport solutions to communities up and down the country and across Europe.
The trains will be manufactured at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe factory, helping to protect jobs and skills at their UK manufacturing base.
Meanwhile, the battery element of the order unlocks a new advanced manufacturing opportunity for the factory, and wider supply chain.
The order supports both the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and mission for economic growth, cementing the North East’s role as UK battery hub.
The new trains will increase seat numbers by 20 per cent which means 400,000 additional seats per year will be available to passengers travelling between the North East, Yorkshire and London.
Because of their tri-mode capability the trains could be used on other routes in the future. They are also expected to reduce both emissions and noise.
The trains will be delivered in 2028 under a 10-year leasing arrangement, in partnership and financed by Angel Trains.
Amanda Furlong, managing director of Arriva UK Trains, said: “This major investment underscores our commitment to the UK market. We are proud to connect under-served communities with regional and national centres, helping make sustainable train travel the easy choice.
“These best-in-class, greener trains will deliver more comfortable journeys and a step-change in capacity on our popular Grand Central services. We look forward to announcing further rolling stock orders, providing jobs and wider economic benefits, as and when our network grows.”
Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, said: “Not only will this new battery technology deliver greener journeys for passengers, but it will also boost skills for the workforce and futureproof jobs here in Newton Aycliffe as we continue to deliver a railway fit for the 21st century.”
Jim Brewin, Hitachi Rail chief director of UK & Ireland, said: “As we celebrate 200 years since the birth of the modern railway in the North East, it's symbolic that innovative battery trains are being developed in Newton Aycliffe”.
“Battery trains’ ability to deliver cheaper, greener, and more reliable journeys means we are unlocking a new advanced manufacturing opportunity for rail today.
“Following the successful trial of this pioneering battery technology last year, Arriva and Angel Trains are transforming Hitachi's £17 million R&D investment into the first battery train order to be built in the UK."
