en.Wedoany.com Reported - Avanti West Coast's Class 805 Evero fleet has reached a significant operational milestone, surpassing 5 million miles in cumulative service on the West Coast Main Line.
Entering service in June 2024, the fleet is part of Avanti West Coast's new Evero fleet, comprising 13 bi-mode Class 805 trains and 10 fully electric Class 807 trains. The fleet is designed to support timetable optimization, enhance capacity, and help the operator achieve net-zero emissions targets. The 5 million miles recorded by the Class 805 fleet is equivalent to approximately 40 laps around the Earth, reflecting the trains' growing importance within the operator's network.
Class 805 trains primarily operate services between London and North Wales, including routes to Holyhead. Their bi-mode technology allows the trains to use electric power for most of the journey and seamlessly switch to diesel operation on non-electrified sections. Nearly two-thirds of the London to Holyhead route can be completed using electric power, with the changeover occurring after the train leaves Crewe, where electrification ends, before continuing along the North Wales coast.
The fleet replaces older Class 221 Voyager trains, which relied entirely on diesel traction. According to Avanti West Coast, the new Class 805 trains have reduced carbon emissions per vehicle kilometer by nearly two-thirds in the year ending April 2026, compared to the previous fleet. In addition to North Wales services, the trains also operate specific services between London and the West Midlands.
Earlier this year, the flexibility of the bi-mode fleet was fully demonstrated when engineering works closed the West Coast Main Line between Preston and Carlisle. During planned closures in January and April, the Class 805 fleet enabled services to continue via the historic Settle and Carlisle route, covering nearly 60,000 miles on this diversionary line.
The introduction of the fleet has also driven service improvements. In September 2025, Avanti West Coast increased services between London and Chester to hourly by adding two extra trains on weekdays. Passengers traveling on the Class 805 fleet benefit from numerous improvements over previous vehicles. Each five-car train offers 16% more seats, helping to meet growing passenger demand along the North Wales route. The trains also provide greater legroom, additional luggage space, and modern passenger amenities. Accessibility was a key focus in the fleet's design, featuring elements such as Braille signage and large-font seat labels to help create a more inclusive travel experience.
Owain Morgan stated that surpassing 5 million miles reflects the fleet's reliability and the commitment of colleagues responsible for maintaining and operating the trains. He added that the introduction of the new fleet represents a significant improvement in customer experience, operational performance, and connectivity for the communities served by the route.
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