The UK rail network is set for a major upgrade following the announcement of a new fleet of battery-electric trains. The project, valued at over €1.2 billion, involves the deployment of 29 Adessia Stream trains developed by Alstom. These units are scheduled to enter service on long-distance mainline routes in 2034.
The trains will be manufactured in Derby and are expected to support more than 6,000 permanent jobs across the country. Each train will feature around 300 seats, including a dedicated First Class area with dining facilities. The fleet is designed to operate primarily on battery power at speeds reaching up to 110 mph.
This initiative follows earlier testing of battery-electric locomotive technology by TransPennine Express, which began in 2024 using a modified Class 802 Nova 1 train. The new Alstom fleet aims to improve service reliability and reduce carbon emissions across northern England.
