Hull to benefit from £1bn investment in new battery-electric TransPennine fleet

TransPennine Express (TPE) has announced plans for a new fleet of 29 five-car battery-electric trains, which will become Britain’s first mainline battery-electric trains.

The new Adessia Stream fleet will support TPE routes connecting destinations including Hull, York, Manchester, Liverpool, Scarborough and Saltburn, strengthening connections between Humber and communities and economies across the North.

As part of the investment, dedicated charging infrastructure will be installed in Hull, alongside Scarborough and Saltburn. This will allow the new trains to recharge while in service and operate emission-free on parts of the network where electrification is not currently available.

The trains will be designed, engineered, built and tested by Alstom at its Litchurch Lane Works in Derby, with the investment expected to support more than 350 highly skilled manufacturing jobs and thousands more across the wider UK supply chain.

Passengers will also see increased capacity and a range of improvements, including more luggage space, Wi-Fi, power and USB-C charging at every seat, dedicated cycle storage and quieter interiors.

Accessibility has been a major focus of the new fleet, with level boarding at every doorway, three dedicated wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, family-friendly areas and buggy spaces.

Chris Jackson, Managing Director at TransPennine Express, said: “This is a transformational £1 billion investment in the future of rail travel across the North, delivering new trains for our customers as well as new infrastructure, new jobs and long-term economic benefits.

“Britain has a proud railway heritage, and this project puts the UK at the forefront of the next generation of cleaner rail technology.”

The investment forms part of the wider Transpennine Route Upgrade and will bring new lower-carbon transport infrastructure directly to Hull, alongside improved connections with major destinations across the North.

James Richardson, Managing Director at Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: “A stronger North depends on better connections, and TRU is bringing the north together and unlocking opportunities.”

Manufacturing is expected to begin in 2028, with the fleet scheduled for full delivery by winter 2032. Passenger services are expected to begin no later than winter 2034.

Credit: ALSTOM