Turntide Technologies, based on Team Valley in Tyneside, has commenced production of next-generation batteries designed to power trains. The company secured a contract from Hitachi Rail UK, headquartered in County Durham, to manufacture modular batteries for Arriva's Grand Central services, which operate routes between Sunderland and London, and Bradford and London.
£10m Partnership Moves to Full Production
The production start marks the culmination of a £10m partnership announced last year, which has now completed its research and development phase. Turntide's batteries can be integrated into new trains or retrofitted to over 600 engines in existing Hitachi Rail UK fleets. The new battery system promises lower costs, extended range, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and improved air quality and noise pollution. Turntide has developed its batteries to deliver greater power density in the same space as a diesel engine.
Advanced Manufacturing Milestone for Grand Central Fleet
The start of production is seen as an advanced manufacturing milestone for Arriva's Grand Central new fleet, which is being built by Hitachi Rail in Newton Aycliffe. This follows a successful intercity trial that indicated potential fuel cost reductions of 30% to 50%, or zero-emission travel when operating in full battery mode.
Steve Hornyak, CEO of Turntide Technologies, stated: "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 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."
Tri-Mode Systems as an Alternative to Electrification
Hitachi has previously indicated it would consider incorporating batteries into its bids for new projects. Roughly half of the global rail network relies on diesel, but tri-mode systems—which can draw on the engine, batteries, and overhead power lines—are said to offer a faster and more cost-effective alternative to installing new electrification infrastructure.
Koji Agatsuma, chief technology officer for vehicles at Hitachi Rail, commented: "This milestone shows that the UK does not need to wait for battery train manufacturing capability – it already exists in the North East. Our £30m investment, proven trials, the skilled workforce at Newton Aycliffe, and our partnership with Turntide have moved battery trains from concept to reality."
Digital Integration and Future Outlook
Agatsuma added: "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, said: "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 £300m 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."
