UK transport company Arriva Group has ordered nine battery hybrid trains from Hitachi Rail to replace its entire Grand Central fleet.
The order – worth £300m – will see Hitachi Rail build 45 rail ‘tri-mode’ cars at its factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
Tri-mode means the trains can be powered using electricity, battery or diesel, and can run on either electrified or non-electrified tracks. Being hybrid, they are expected to reduce both emissions and noise.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander visited the Hitachi Rail factory to announce the order, which she said was significant as it will help secure the future of rail manufacturing in the north-east.
She said: “Not only will this new battery technology deliver greener journeys for passengers, but it will also boost skills for the workforce and futureproof jobs here in Newton Aycliffe as we continue to deliver a railway fit for the 21st century.”
Arriva said that the new trains, which will replace its entire Grand Central fleet...