The European Leaders
3 April 2025
Sunderland – Strap yourselves in for some significant news rattling down the tracks for both rail passengers and the UK’s manufacturing heartlands. Arriva Group has just signalled a major commitment to the future of British rail, placing a hefty £300 million order for a brand new fleet of cutting-edge Arriva Group Battery Hybrid Trains.
This isn’t just about shiny new carriages; it’s a move promising greener journeys, more seats, and a welcome boost for skilled jobs right here in the UK.
Main Benefits of the Tri-Mode Technology (Summary)
As detailed in the provided information, the key advantages are:
- Environmental: Reduced emissions (carbon, NOx), less noise pollution.
- Operational: Flexibility across electrified/non-electrified lines, self-charging batteries.
- Passenger: Improved comfort, potential for faster journeys, modern onboard features.
- Cost & Sustainability: Lower potential maintenance costs, upgradeable technology, aligns with net-zero goals.
A £300 Million Vote of Confidence
Announced today from Hitachi Rail’s factory in Newton Aycliffe – with the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, lending her support – this deal sees Arriva splashing out on nine state-of-the-art trains, comprising 45 individual cars.
- The Investment: Around £300 million covers the new fleet and a 10-year maintenance contract.
- The Players: Arriva Group is ordering the trains, Hitachi Rail is building them, and Angel Trains is providing the financing.
- The Service: These trains will replace the entire existing fleet for Arriva’s Grand Central services (connecting the North East, Yorkshire, and London).
- Long-Term Commitment: This investment underpins Arriva’s presence, especially as Grand Central operates as an ‘open access’ operator (no government subsidy) and has secured track access rights until 2038.
Amanda Furlong, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains, emphasised this commitment: “This major investment underscores our commitment to the UK market. We are proud to connect under-served communities… helping make sustainable train travel the easy choice.” She added that these “best-in-class, greener trains will deliver more comfortable journeys and a step-change in capacity.”
Introducing ‘Tri-Mode’ Technology: How it Works?
These aren’t your average trains. They’re clever ‘tri-mode’ machines, designed for maximum flexibility and environmental benefit:
- Electric Power: Uses overhead lines where available, just like standard electric trains.
- Diesel Power: Switches to onboard diesel engines for non-electrified sections of track.
- Battery Power: Crucially, can run silently on battery power, ideal for entering and leaving stations.
This pioneering technology, successfully trialled last year, is expected to slash emissions and fuel consumption by around 30%. As Jim Brewin from Hitachi Rail noted, it’s symbolic that these innovative trains are being built in the North East, the railway’s birthplace, unlocking “a new advanced manufacturing opportunity for rail today.”
Boost for UK Manufacturing and Jobs
This order delivers a significant shot in the arm for Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe plant in the North East:
- Securing Jobs: Helps protect high-skilled manufacturing roles at the facility.
- Regional Hub: Cements the North East’s growing reputation as a centre for UK battery technology and advanced manufacturing.
- Government Backing: Supports the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and economic growth plans, as highlighted by the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander MP.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness celebrated the news, stating it shows “real confidence in advanced manufacturing in North East England.”
What’s in it For Passengers?
Beyond the economic and environmental headlines, what improvements will travellers actually see when these trains arrive in 2028?
- More Seats: A welcome 20% increase in capacity, meaning around 400,000 extra seats available each year.
- Greener Travel: Significantly lower emissions make train travel an even more sustainable choice.
- Quieter Journeys: Battery mode reduces noise pollution, especially noticeable in urban areas and stations.
- Enhanced Comfort: Plans include more luggage storage, power sockets at every seat, and modern electronic reservation systems.
- Potentially Faster Journeys: The new technology offers improved performance which could lead to reduced travel times.
David Jordan at Angel Trains summed it up, highlighting the “significant benefits for Grand Central passengers” and the “transformative potential of battery technology.”
Future Connections on the Horizon?
Arriva isn’t necessarily stopping here. Amanda Furlong, MD of Arriva UK Trains, indicated readiness for further orders, particularly if their pending applications to the rail regulator (ORR) are approved. These applications seek to:
- Expand Grand Central services into Lincolnshire (Cleethorpes to London direct).
- Add extra daily services between Bradford and London.
- Introduce new services for York and Seaham in County Durham.
High Hopes from Arriva Group Battery Hybrid Trains!
This £300 million deal represents more than just new rolling stock. It’s a significant investment in modern, greener rail technology, a boost for UK jobs and manufacturing, and promises tangible improvements for passengers travelling between the North East, Yorkshire, and London.
The arrival of these Arriva Group Battery Hybrid Trains looks set to be a positive milestone for Britain’s railways.
