Next-generation Frecciarossa trains: Trenitalia adds nine

Next-generation Frecciarossa trains are at the centre of Italy’s latest high-speed fleet expansion. Trenitalia has agreed to buy nine more units from Hitachi Rail.

The new order is worth about €260 million, according to Hitachi Rail. It builds on a 2023 agreement for 36 trains. That deal was later expanded through an option for 10 more units. Together, the purchases are part of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane’s longer-term plan. That plan aims to modernise and grow its flagship Italian high-speed rail fleet.

Next-generation Frecciarossa trains and fleet targets

Under current plans, 57 of the new Frecciarossa trains should be in service by 2029. Meanwhile, as previously covered by Railway Supply, that total is expected to rise to 74 by 2031.

In addition, the programme is intended to support a more modern rail offering. It is also intended to be more efficient and more sustainable. It will apply in Italy and on international services.

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Also, the agreement underlines Trenitalia’s continuing work with Hitachi Rail. At the same time, it reflects wider ambitions across Europe’s rail network. Those ambitions focus on competitiveness and connectivity. They also involve stronger cross-border high-speed services.

Hitachi Rail production in Naples and Pistoia

Meanwhile, production will continue at Hitachi Rail’s plants in Naples and Pistoia. This extends a manufacturing relationship that has been in place for years.

The trains are being developed for use on as many as seven European rail networks. This is intended to support wider cross-border operations. Still, the plan is intended to preserve the Frecciarossa brand’s standing for reliability and performance.

The units will run at 300 km/h. Their certified top speed is 360 km/h. In addition, they will use advanced traction technology. This is designed to improve efficiency. Accessible areas will also be provided for passengers with reduced mobility.

HMAX digital suite and onboard upgrades

Sustainability remains a central part of the project. For example, the trains will deliver a recyclability rate of 97.1%. Their material recovery rate will reach 98.2%. Newly developed electric motors are also expected to lower energy use further.

Separately, Giugiaro Design has created updated interiors. They will be paired with improved onboard systems.

The upgrade also includes a digital component. Hitachi Rail’s HMAX digital suite will be installed. It will provide real-time monitoring and optimisation for maintenance, traffic flow and energy use. It is a step towards more data-led rail operations.

Gianpiero Strisciuglio, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Trenitalia said:

“With this investment, Trenitalia takes a further step to strengthen its High-Speed fleet, consolidating Frecciarossa’s position as a benchmark for rail transport in Europe. Our trains are becoming more efficient and more sustainable, to meet our passengers’ expectations. And we will continue to invest in this direction, both in Italy and on international markets, to build an increasingly modern, integrated and future-oriented transport system.”

Luca D’Aquila, COO of Hitachi Rail Group and President of Hitachi Rail in Italy said:

“This new contract confirms and solidifies the long-standing partnership between Hitachi Rail and Trenitalia, along a journey that, over the years, has revolutionised the travel habits of people in Italy and across Europe. This latest-generation model was designed to offer an enhanced travel experience to passengers, ensuring greater comfort with a reduced environmental impact. This train looks to Europe’s future, towards an increasingly integrated high-speed rail network.”

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