en.Wedoany.com Reported - Turntide Technologies has received its first production order from Hitachi Rail to manufacture battery systems for Arriva's new Grand Central intercity trains, marking the official transition of the joint development project into commercial production.
These batteries will be installed on new tri-mode trains built by Hitachi Rail at its Newton Aycliffe factory in County Durham. The trains are expected to enter service with Grand Central from 2028, as part of Arriva's £300 million fleet renewal program.
The production order stems from the R&D collaboration between Turntide and Hitachi Rail, aimed at developing battery technology for UK-built intercity trains. Turntide's modular battery system is designed to replace diesel engines in Hitachi Rail's tri-mode trains, occupying the same installation space, with the goal of achieving lower operating costs, longer battery-powered running distances, and reduced reliance on diesel traction.
The technology can also be used to retrofit over 600 diesel engines in existing Hitachi Rail fleets across the UK. Manufactured in Northeast England, these batteries will directly support the production of the new Grand Central fleet at Hitachi Rail's Newton Aycliffe facility.
Trials conducted in 2024 demonstrated that the battery system can reduce fuel consumption by 30% to 50% during hybrid operation and achieve zero-emission operation when running solely on battery power. Battery mode is expected to offer significant advantages at stations and on non-electrified rail sections.
The battery technology will be integrated with Hitachi Rail's HMAX for Rail digital platform, which manages energy consumption and battery charging. Steve Hornyak, CEO of Turntide Technologies, stated that after years of close collaboration, they are now in production with Hitachi Rail, delivering quieter, more fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly rail transport for the UK. Global demand for hybrid and electric solutions in passenger rail is growing as operators and customers seek to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Koji Agatsuma, Chief Technology Officer for Rolling Stock at Hitachi Rail, noted that this milestone proves the UK does not need to wait for battery train manufacturing capability to be built—it already exists in the Northeast. A £30 million investment, proven trials, a skilled workforce in Newton Aycliffe, and collaboration with Turntide have turned battery trains from concept into reality. Combined with the HMAX for Rail digital platform, this technology will reduce energy consumption and optimize battery charging to better utilize renewable energy when it is most abundant and grid demand is lower. This battery and digital innovation is part of Hitachi Rail's preparation for the next phase of train manufacturing, where battery power will provide greener, more reliable travel while supporting the government's Northern Growth Strategy.
Arriva's Grand Central service will be the first operator to deploy the new battery technology, with its tri-mode trains entering service from 2028. Battery-electric and hybrid technologies are increasingly being explored as alternatives to full line electrification, particularly on rail lines where overhead wiring equipment is not currently planned. By combining batteries with electric and diesel traction, tri-mode trains can operate on both electrified and non-electrified sections while reducing diesel usage when battery power is available.
Paul Hutchings, Managing Director of Arriva Rail Services, expressed pride in being an early adopter of this battery technology, following collaboration with Turntide and Hitachi to deliver new tri-mode trains that will join the Grand Central fleet from 2028. The £300 million investment in a brand-new fleet will bring best-in-class, low-emission trains, offering more comfortable and sustainable journeys while adding extra capacity to the rail network.
