Arriva Group has announced a GBP 300 million investment in nine cutting-edge battery hybrid trains to replace its entire Grand Central fleet, marking a significant step towards more sustainable rail travel and boosting regional economies.
The order includes 45 tri-mode rail cars manufactured by Hitachi Rail, which will have the flexibility to operate on electrified and non-electrified tracks using electricity, battery power, or diesel. The investment also includes a 10-year maintenance contract, reinforcing Arriva’s long-term commitment to UK rail and sustainable public transport solutions.
The decision follows approval by the rail regulator for an extension of Grand Central’s track access rights until 2038. The trains will be built at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe factory in County Durham, safeguarding skilled jobs and unlocking a new advanced manufacturing opportunity within the UK supply chain. The battery component of the order aligns with the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and its goal of establishing the North East as a hub for battery technology.
The new fleet will provide a 20% increase in seating capacity, equating to an additional 400,000 seats per year for passengers travelling between the North East, Yorkshire, and London. The tri-mode capability also allows for potential future deployment on other routes. The trains are expected to reduce both emissions and noise, with the ability to operate in zero-emission battery mode when entering and exiting stations, improving air quality in urban areas.
The fleet will be delivered in 2028 under a 10-year leasing arrangement, financed by Angel Trains.
“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,” Amanda Furlong, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains, 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 GBP 17 million R&D investment into the first battery train order to be built in the UK,” Jim Brewin, Hitachi Rail Chief Director of UK & Ireland, added.
A step towards greener rail travel
The introduction of battery hybrid trains is expected to reduce emissions and fuel consumption by approximately 30%, supporting the UK Government’s decarbonisation agenda. The trains will also feature enhanced passenger facilities, including increased luggage storage, in-seat power, and an electronic reservation system.
Arriva has welcomed the swift regulatory approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), alongside support from the Department for Transport and Network Rail. The Group currently has two further applications under consideration to expand direct rail services to under-served communities in the UK. If approved, these expansions could lead to additional train orders.
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