Arriva Group has announced a significant investment in nine state-of-the-art battery hybrid trains, set to replace the entire Grand Central fleet. This move is expected to greatly benefit regional economies and provide passengers with more comfortable and eco-friendly travel options.
The order includes 45 Hitachi Rail ‘tri-mode’ cars, which can operate on both electrified and non-electrified tracks, and comes with a 10-year maintenance contract. This investment, valued at approximately £300 million, highlights the flexibility of tri-mode technology, allowing the trains to be powered by electricity, battery, or diesel.
This development follows the rail regulator's approval of extended track access rights for Grand Central’s existing services until 2038. It underscores Arriva’s long-term commitment to the UK rail network and its dedication to delivering sustainable public transport solutions across the country and Europe.
The new trains will be built at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe factory, securing jobs and skills at their UK manufacturing base. The inclusion of battery technology in this order also opens up new advanced manufacturing opportunities for the factory and its supply chain. This initiative supports the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and its goals for economic growth, reinforcing the North East’s position as a key hub for battery technology.
With the introduction of these new trains, seat capacity will increase by 20%, providing an additional 400,000 seats annually for passengers traveling between the North East, Yorkshire, and London. The tri-mode capability also means these trains could be deployed on other routes in the future, reducing both emissions and noise.
The trains are scheduled for delivery in 2028 under a 10-year leasing agreement, in partnership with 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 underserved 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: “Just four months since the Prime Minister and I welcomed a significant deal for Hitachi and its workforce in Newton Aycliffe, this new £300m investment marks yet another step forward in securing the future of rail manufacturing in the North East.
“The landmark deal is proof that our Plan for Change is delivering results – creating the right environment for investment, which in turn supports high-skilled jobs, drives economic growth and delivers real improvement in people’s lives.
“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.”
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. Today’s announcement confirming a new £300m order by Arriva for state-of-the-art trains is just the latest sign we are succeeding. This is great news for Hitachi and its highly skilled workforce, showing there’s real confidence in advanced manufacturing in North East England.
“I’m so proud to say that in the very near future, the entire Grand Central fleet which links Sunderland to York and London will have been proudly built in our region.”
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."
David Jordan, COO of Angel Trains, said: “Our multimillion-pound investment into these state-of-the-art tri-mode trains will deliver significant benefits for Grand Central passengers, connecting communities across the North of England and driving essential economic growth.
“This latest development builds on the momentum created by the successful conclusion of our battery trial with Hitachi Rail at the end of last year and demonstrates the transformative potential of battery technology in both existing and new fleets.”
The innovative technology is set to reduce emissions and fuel consumption by approximately 30%. The trains will be able to enter and exit stations in zero-emission battery mode, significantly improving air quality and reducing noise in urban areas.
The new trains will offer 20% more seating capacity compared to the current fleet, addressing the growing passenger demand and promoting the shift to public transport. Passengers will also enjoy enhanced amenities, including increased luggage storage, in-seat power outlets, and an electronic reservation system.
Arriva has expressed its appreciation for the prompt decision-making by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and the support from the Department for Transport and Network Rail in extending its track access rights. The company has two additional applications under review, which, if approved, would expand existing routes to provide direct rail services to underserved communities in the UK. Arriva also has the option to purchase more trains if these applications are successful.
Image credit: Arriva
