LFP batteries for UK battery trains to boost rail innovation

Turntide Technologies has secured a major contract to provide LFP batteries for UK battery trains, powering a new fleet of sustainable intercity units for Hitachi Rail. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Turntide Technologies has signed a £10 million ($13.7 million) contract to supply next-generation LFP batteries for UK battery trains, supporting Hitachi Rail’s rollout of new low-emission intercity vehicles. These Gen 2 lithium iron phosphate batteries promise greater efficiency, reduced size, and enhanced reliability compared to traditional lithium-ion systems.

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Hitachi will install these LFP batteries in nine new tri-mode trains commissioned by Arriva’s Grand Central and Angel Trains. The systems will also feature an advanced battery management platform that meets IEC 61508 and IEC 62243 standards, ensuring high levels of safety and cybersecurity.

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Turntide CEO Steve Hornyak emphasized that this project highlights both technological excellence and a shared vision for cleaner transport. “Our growing partnership with Hitachi reflects a shift toward sustainable rail mobility, not just in the UK but globally,” he said. “With 200 years of rail history rooted in this region, we’re proud to lead innovation into the future.”

Their collaboration began in 2020 and resulted in the UK’s first successful battery intercity train trial in 2024. The current focus is on developing smaller, more adaptable batteries that support inclusive train designs and operational flexibility.

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Both Turntide and Hitachi Rail operate from North East England, and their joint efforts are set to stimulate regional growth in advanced battery manufacturing. Hitachi Rail CTO Koji Agatsuma noted, “Our additional £10 million investment in Turntide reinforces our long-term commitment to battery development in the UK.”

He also highlighted future opportunities in energy optimization through vehicle-to-grid systems. While Hitachi advances battery technology in the UK, it’s also delivering international projects—such as modern signaling systems in Türkiye capable of supporting train speeds up to 200 km/h—demonstrating a dual commitment to sustainability and infrastructure innovation.

Source: www.railway-technology.com

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