Arriva Group has announced £300m worth of new battery hybrid trains, offering a significant boost to regional economies and increasing capacity
The new hybrid trains will be manufactured at Hitachi Rail in the North East and financed by Angel Trains, helping secure highly skilled jobs and unlocking a new advanced manufacturing opportunity for rail.
The new trains will replace its entire Grand Central Fleet, providing more comfortable, greener travel options.
Boosting the North East as the UK battery hub
The Hitachi Rail ‘tri-mode’ cars have the flexibility to run on electrified or non-electrified tracks and can be powered using electricity, battery or diesel.
The upgraded fleet will follow approval from the rail regulator for extended track access rights for Grand Central’s existing services through 2038. It cements Arriva’s commitment to sustainable public transport solutions in the UK and Europe.
The trains will be manufactured at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe factory, protecting jobs and skills and supporting the UK Government’s industrial strategy and mission for economic growth.
The new hybrid trains will increase seat numbers by 400,000, making travel between the North East, Yorkshire, and London more accessible. They will be delivered in 2028 under a 10-year leasing arrangement.
Amanda Furlong, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains, said: “This significant 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 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.”
Hitachi hybrid trains cut emissions and fuel consumption
The hybrid trains cut emissions and fuel consumption by 30%, promoting more sustainable travel options for customers. They can enter and exit stations in zero-emission battery mode, helping improve air quality and reduce noise in urban centres.
Furthermore, the new trains will include 20% more seats than the existing rolling stock, and passengers will benefit from more luggage storage, in-seat power and an electronic reservation system.
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 delivers results – creating the right environment for investment, which supports high-skilled jobs, drives economic growth and improves 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 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, which is showing 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’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.”
