Powering the Future: New Battery Solutions for Grand Central's Inter-City Trains

According to a recent proclamation from Hitachi Rail, the company has partnered with Turntide Technologies to provide lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for their upcoming electric-diesel-battery hybrid inter-city trains, which are being developed for Grand Central, an open access operator under Arriva.

The plan includes the production of nine five-car trainsets at Hitachi Rail’s facility in Newton Aycliffe, with an expected delivery date set for 2028. This initiative follows a contract signed in March with leasing firm Angel Trains.

The new deal, revealed on July 2, involves nearly £10 million worth of orders from Hitachi Rail to Turntide. This funding will support ongoing research and development as well as the supply of next-gen LFP batteries that promise enhanced power and reduced size compared to traditional lithium-ion options. The battery management system adheres to Safety Integrity Level 2 and IEC standards, ensuring safety and cybersecurity compliance.

This innovative battery technology is projected to reduce emissions and fuel usage by approximately 30% for Grand CentralS trains. Notably, these trains will operate in zero-emission mode when entering or leaving stations—an effort aimed at improving urban air quality while minimizing noise pollution.

The collaboration on the Grand Central project is expected to bolster operations at Turntide’s Gateshead factory. Both companies are optimistic that this venture could pave the way for important advancements in manufacturing within the UK’s rail sector.

A previous agreement between turntide and Hitachi Rail was established back in 2020 for traction battery systems design. In trials conducted in early 2024 involving a retrofitted TransPennine Express Class 802 electro-diesel trainset equipped with a battery instead of one engine,fuel savings ranged from an impressive 35% up to nearly half.

“our partnership with Hitachi Rail continues to flourish,” remarked Steve Hornyak, CEO of Turntide Technologies.”Being chosen for this pivotal project showcases our commitment to innovation within electrification technology.” He added that as interest grows globally around battery-electric trains, they are excited about contributing not only locally but also towards enduring transport initiatives worldwide.

“Battery-powered trains offer more than just eco-amiable travel; they also present fresh opportunities in advanced manufacturing while enhancing energy efficiency thru vehicle-to-grid technologies,” stated Koji Agatsuma, Chief Technology Officer Vehicles at Hitachi Rail.