New Battery Electric Trains for Northern England
A new fleet of battery electric trains designed and built in Britain has been announced, aiming to enhance the rail service while creating thousands of jobs and reducing carbon emissions across northern England.
Investment Overview
TransPennine Express and Alstom have secured contracts worth over €1.2 billion to deploy 29 fully electric Adessia Stream trains, which will be the first battery-electric trains for long-distance journeys in the UK, expected to enter service by 2034.
Rob Whyte, Managing Director UK at Alstom, expressed pride in the initiative: “This agreement is a landmark moment for Britain’s railway… The fleet will transform journeys across northern England while showcasing the very best of British engineering.”
Economic Impact
The British government indicates that this project will support more than 6,000 permanent jobs, although the main focus remains the improved rail service. British PM Andy Burnham pointed out the significance of these new trains for reliability and job creation, stating: “These 29 new trains will bring faster, more reliable journeys to the north.”
Not Just a Concept
While the new fleet won’t be operational until 2034, testing has been ongoing since 2024, with TransPennine Express trialing battery-electric locomotives. The new trains will primarily operate on battery power, achieving speeds up to 110 mph and offer around 300 seats each, including a First Class area with catering.
Final Thoughts
This ambitious plan not only marks the UK’s commitment to sustainable transport but also highlights investment in local manufacturing and job creation, setting a new standard for rail services in the region.
For additional information, you can refer to the sources: Alstom and TransPennine Express.
