North East manufacturer Turntide Technologies has received its first production order from Hitachi Rail for next-generation battery systems destined for Arriva’s new Grand Central intercity trains.

The batteries will support greener, lower-cost rail operations, offering greater range and a route towards zero-emission travel.

The order marks the production phase of a partnership first announced on 2 July 2025, which included an R&D programme. The technology has the potential to support both new battery trains and the retrofitting of more than 600 engines across Hitachi Rail’s existing UK fleets.

Turntide’s modular battery system is designed to deliver greater power density within the same footprint as a diesel engine. It will reduce reliance on fossil fuels while helping to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution.

Production represents an advanced manufacturing milestone for Arriva’s new Grand Central fleet, which Hitachi Rail is building at Newton Aycliffe in County Durham.

The development follows a successful intercity trial in 2024, which exceeded expectations. In a UK first, the trial demonstrated that Turntide’s battery system could be installed on Hitachi Rail trains to reduce fuel costs by between 30% and 50%, or enable zero-emission travel in battery mode. This could be particularly valuable in and around stations on routes that have not yet been electrified.

“Following several years of close collaboration, we are now moving into production with Hitachi Rail to deliver quieter, more fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly rail transport in the U.K.,” said Steve Hornyak, CEO of Turntide Technologies. “As operators and customers want to be less reliant on fossil fuels, we see growing global demand for hybrid and electric solutions in passenger rail.”

With roughly half of the global rail network still reliant on diesel, tri-mode systems offer a faster and more cost-effective alternative to installing new electrification infrastructure, which can require significant time and investment.

Koji Agatsuma, Chief Technology Officer Vehicles, Hitachi Rail said, “This milestone shows that the UK does not need to wait for battery train manufacturing capability – it already exists in the North East. Our £30 million investment, proven trials, the skilled workforce at Newton Aycliffe, and our partnership with Turntide have moved battery trains from concept to reality.

“Combined with our HMAX for Rail digital platform, this technology will reduce energy consumption and optimise battery charging to make greater use of renewable energy when it is most available and grid demand is lower.

“This battery and digital innovation are part of Hitachi Rail’s preparation for the next phase of train manufacturing, where battery power will deliver greener and more reliable journeys, while supporting the Government’s Northern Growth Strategy.”

Paul Hutchings, Arriva’s Managing Director for Rail Services, commented, “We’re proud to be the very first adopters of this battery technology following our collaboration with Turntide and Hitachi to deliver our new tri-mode trains, which enter the Grand Central fleet from 2028. Our £300 million investment in a completely new fleet will mean best-in-class, low emission trains delivering more comfortable and sustainable journeys as well as additional capacity on our network.”