Alstom to Build UK's First Mainline Battery-Electric Train Fleet in £1 Billion Deal
Twenty-nine Adessia Stream trains will debut on long-distance routes by 2034 to decarbonize Northern rail.
The United Kingdom is set to launch its first fleet of battery-electric trains for long-distance mainline services following a landmark agreement between Alstom and TransPennine Express. The initiative marks a pivotal shift in the nation's strategy to eliminate diesel reliance on non-electrified rail corridors.
Under contracts totaling over €1.2 billion (approximately £1 billion), Alstom will produce 29 Adessia Stream battery-electric trains. The fleet will be designed and manufactured at Alstom's Litchurch Lane factory in Derby. Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2032, with the trains officially entering service in 2034. To facilitate the rollout, the fleet will be purchased by Rock Rail and subsequently leased to TransPennine Express.
Modernizing the TransPennine Route
The deployment is a core component of the TransPennine Route Upgrade, a broader infrastructure project designed to increase rail capacity across the Pennines by 30%. The transition to battery-electric power follows a series of trials that began in 2024, during which TransPennine Express tested battery-electric locomotives by integrating a Hitachi system into a Class 802 Nova 1 train to replace its diesel engine.
Technically, the Adessia Stream trains are engineered for high-performance mainline travel, capable of reaching speeds of up to 110 mph. Each train will provide approximately 300 seats, balancing capacity with the efficiency required for regional transit. The shift is expected to yield tangible improvements in travel times; specifically, journeys between Manchester and Leeds are projected to be cut by up to 10 minutes, while trips between Manchester and York could see reductions of up to 14 minutes.
Industry Implications
This project addresses a chronic challenge for the UK rail network: the "last mile" of decarbonization on routes where full electrification is either too costly or geographically impractical. By utilizing battery technology, the operator can maintain high-speed service without the emissions associated with diesel traction.
Beyond the environmental impact, the deal secures a significant manufacturing pipeline for the East Midlands. Rob Whyte, Managing Director UK at Alstom, described the agreement as a "landmark moment for Britain’s railway," emphasizing the importance of the trains being designed and built within the UK. Andy Burnham, the British Prime Minister, noted that the 29 new trains would bring "faster, more reliable journeys to the north."
Future Outlook
As the industry watches the 2032 delivery window, the success of the Adessia Stream fleet will likely serve as a blueprint for other non-electrified mainline routes across the UK. While the technical specifications and delivery timelines are set, the industry will be monitoring how the battery systems perform under the heavy load of long-distance, high-frequency service in the North of England.