New fleet of battery electric trains promises faster, more reliable UK travel — SkimNews
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- Alstom and TransPennine Express will deploy 29 Adessia Stream battery-electric trains — the UK's first mainline fleet designed primarily for battery power on long-distance routes — when they enter service in 2034
- The fleet will be manufactured in Derby under broader transit contracts worth more than €1.2 billion, supporting over 6,000 permanent jobs across the UK
- Each Adessia Stream train will operate primarily on battery power at speeds up to 110 mph, carrying around 300 seats including a First Class area with catering and dining facilities
- TransPennine Express has been testing battery-electric propulsion on a Class 802 Nova 1 intercity train since 2024, using a Hitachi-developed system that replaced one diesel engine
- Andy Burnham told The Guardian that missed shifts, appointments, and opportunities caused by unreliable rail service make the fleet a tangible fix for northern England commuters
Why it matters: Northern England rail commuters gain a battery-powered fleet running at 110 mph on long-distance mainline routes, backed by €1.2 billion+ in contracts and 6,000 UK jobs. With TransPennine Express already trialing Hitachi battery tech on Class 802 trains since 2024, the 2034 rollout extends a proven concept rather than a paper announcement.
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