Arriva to invest £300 million in new battery hybrid trains

Arriva Group has ordered nine battery hybrid trains to replace its entire fleet. The order for 45 Hitachi Rail ‘tri-mode’ cars, which have the flexibility to run on electrified and non-electrified tracks (using electric, battery or diesel), along with a 10-year maintenance contract, represents an investment of around £300 million. 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 around Europe.

The trains will be manufactured at Hitachi Rail’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% 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.”

Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “Just four months since the Prime Minister and I welcomed a significant deal for Hitachi and its workforce in Newton Aycliffe, this new £300 million investment marks yet another step forward in securing the future of rail manufacturing in the North East. The landmark deal will create the right environment for investment, which in turn supports high-skilled jobs, drives economic growth and delivers real improvement in people’s lives.”

Greener journeys
She continued: “Not only will this new battery technology deliver greener journeys for passengers, but it will also boost skills for the workforce and future-proof jobs here in Newton Aycliffe as we continue to deliver a railway fit for the 21st century.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said “I made it one of my first priorities as Mayor to secure the future of Hitachi in Country Durham, and with that the jobs of hundreds of people who work at the Newton Aycliffe plant. This order by Arriva is just the latest sign we are succeeding. This is great news for Hitachi and its highly skilled workforce, showing there is real confidence in advanced manufacturing in North East England.”

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 is 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.”

The pioneering technology will cut emissions and fuel consumption by around 30%, and the trains can enter and exit stations in zero-emission battery mode, helping improve air quality and reduce noise in urban centres. The new trains will include 20% more seats than existing rolling stock, helping to meet increased passenger demand and encouraging the switch to public transport. Travellers will also benefit from more luggage storage, in-seat power and an electronic reservation system.