Turntide powers on with Hitachi rail battery work

An electrification and powertrain component firm is rolling out a multi-million-pound train contract.

Turntide Technologies is working on a battery system for Hitachi Rail.

The powerpacks will be fitted to £300 million Grand Central rolling stock, which is being built at Hitachi’s factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Bosses say the battery system will help slash operational costs, extend range, improve air quality and reduce noise pollution, adding the venture has potential to support new electric-powered rolling stock and retrofitting work across Hitachi Rail UK’s vast fleet. 

The work – first announced last year – follows trials between the companies, with officials saying Gateshead-based Turntide Technologies’ packs can lower fuel bills by as much as 50 per cent.

Steve Hornyak, Turntide Technologies’ chief executive, said: “We are now moving into production with Hitachi Rail to deliver quieter, more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly rail transport in the UK.

“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.”

Hitachi Rail secured its nine-train Grand Central order last year, with officials pledging the 45-carriage venture will create 400,000 extra seats on services between the North East, Yorkshire and London every year from 2028 onwards.

Koji Agatsuma, Hitachi Rail chief technology officer – vehicles, said: “This milestone shows the UK doesn’t 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.”

Grand Central is operated by Arriva Group, and Paul Hutchings, Arriva managing director for rail services, added: “We’re proud to be the very first adopters of this battery technology.

“Our £300 million investment in a new fleet will mean best-in-class, low emission trains delivering more comfortable and sustainable journeys.”

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