Alstom has signed contracts worth more than €1.2 billion with TransPennine Express for the supply and long-term maintenance of 29 battery-electric trains that will become Britain’s first mainline battery-electric fleet.
The agreements include an approximately €930 million rolling stock order for 29 five-car battery-electric multiple units and maintenance contracts valued at around €230 million. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2032.
The new trains will support the Transpennine Route Upgrade and help decarbonize rail services across northern England.
The project represents the first UK deployment of Alstom’s Adessia Stream platform and includes trains, long-term maintenance and charging infrastructure as part of an integrated rail solution.
The 121-meter trains will have a top speed of 110 mph and approximately 300 seats each, including a First Class section with catering facilities.
Passenger amenities will include Wi-Fi, air conditioning, power and USB-C charging, enhanced luggage storage, real-time passenger information, CCTV, dedicated bicycle storage and quieter interiors.
The fleet will also feature level boarding at every door, intended to improve accessibility and reduce station dwell times. Each train will include three dedicated wheelchair spaces, two accessible toilets, family areas and stroller storage.
Battery technology will allow the trains to operate without emissions on non-electrified portions of the railway. Alstom will install charging infrastructure at Hull, Scarborough and Saltburn, representing a first for Britain’s mainline rail network.
The trains will be designed, engineered, manufactured and tested at Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works.
The rolling stock order is expected to support more than 350 skilled jobs in Derby and more than 5,500 positions throughout Alstom’s UK supply chain. Manufacturing is expected to begin in 2028, with the project generating at least £360 million in spending with British suppliers.
The maintenance agreement will initially run for eight years, with an option for another eight-year extension. The maintenance work is expected to support more than 100 jobs.
The battery-electric fleet will operate on services connecting destinations including Liverpool, Manchester, York, Hull, Scarborough and Saltburn.
The trains are being funded by rail investor Rock Rail and will replace part of TransPennine Express’ existing Class 185 fleet.
Development of the Adessia platform for the UK followed a three-year research program and £35 million investment. The trains evolved from Alstom’s Aventra platform and are designed to provide unassisted boarding at approximately 85% of existing UK railway station platforms.
KEY QUOTES:
“This agreement is a landmark moment for Britain’s railway, and we couldn’t be prouder that the country’s first mainline battery-electric trains will be designed and built in Britain. The fleet will transform journeys across northern England while showcasing the very best of British engineering, innovation and advanced manufacturing. Beyond the benefits to passengers, this investment will support more than 350 highly skilled jobs in Derby and over 5,500 roles across our UK supply chain, helping create opportunities, develop skills and drive economic growth in communities across the country. As momentum builds behind strengthening UK industry and regional prosperity, this project is a powerful example of what can be achieved by investing in British design, British manufacturing and British talent.”
Rob Whyte, Managing Director UK at Alstom
“These 29 new trains will bring faster, more reliable journeys to the North, and thousands of British jobs for the next generation. It’s exactly what Great British Railways is all about, taking back control of the basics and getting Britain believing again.”
Andy Burnham, Prime Minister
“This landmark investment embodies how GBR will deliver better journeys for people while backing British business. These ambitious upgrades plans mean passengers can wave goodbye to overcrowded, delayed diesel trains and step onboard faster electric trains which are fit for the future. From Alstom’s factory floor in Derby to supply chains across the country, this deal will deliver growth, jobs, opportunity and better transport links for generations to come.”
Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary
“This is a transformational £1.2 billion investment in the future of rail travel across the North, delivering new trains for our customers as well as new infrastructure, new jobs and long-term economic benefits. Britain has a proud railway heritage, and this project puts the UK at the forefront of the next generation of cleaner rail technology.”
Chris Jackson, Managing Director at TransPennine Express
