Hitachi Rail: Hybrid Trains for British Railways

Hitachi Rail signed a contract with Angel Trains and FirstGroup to deliver 14 hybrid trains. The new five-car Class 80x trains will be purchased under a £500 million agreement. Additionally, the contract includes an option to acquire 13 more trains for the same cost. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

These trains will be equipped with batteries, diesel engines, and will operate using overhead lines. The trains will be manufactured at Hitachi’s factory in County Durham, ensuring high-quality production standards. According to the agreement, Hitachi Rail will maintain the trains for a decade.

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Starting in December 2027, FirstGroup plans to deploy these hybrid trains on the London-Carmarthen route. The company also intends to use them on the Lumo (London-Edinburgh) and Hull Trains (London-Hull Paragon) lines, ensuring efficient and sustainable operations.

Hitachi Rail’s Production Facility in Durham

The Durham facility plays a vital role in producing Class 385, 800, 801, 802, and 803 trains. Additionally, it manufactures models 805, 807, and 810, cementing its position as a key infrastructure hub. Hitachi Rail continues to innovate, meeting the growing demand for modern and efficient rolling stock.

New Projects and Tests by Hitachi Rail

Previously, Alstom and Hitachi Rail unveiled interior mock-ups for the HS2 high-speed rail project. This project involves delivering 54 units under a contract signed in 2021. The Durham plant is responsible for manufacturing the train bodies for this ambitious project.

In November, Hitachi Rail successfully completed tests on its Nova 1 hybrid train, demonstrating its fuel-saving potential. The tests aimed to reduce fuel consumption by replacing a diesel generator with a battery. While initial estimates suggested a 30% reduction, the tests revealed a 35-50% decrease, surpassing expectations.

The hybrid train project showcases the sustainable evolution of rail transportation. Using advanced technologies helps reduce the carbon footprint while improving operational efficiency. Manufacturing these trains in Durham strengthens Hitachi Rail’s market position in the UK.

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