Turntide powers up with £10 million Hitachi Rail battery deal

An electrification and powertrain component firm has secured a £10 million rail deal.

Turntide Technologies will supply a lithium iron phosphate battery system to Hitachi Rail.

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

Turntide says the “major win” will create a “valuable backlog and pipeline” of work, and result in the expansion of the company’s Team Valley Trading Estate plant.

The deal builds on a previous trial between the companies, which focused on reducing fuel costs and emissions.

Hitachi Rail secured its nine-train Grand Central order earlier this 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.

Steve Hornyak, Turntide Technologies’ chief executive, said the deal, secured in the 200th anniversary of the North East giving rail travel to the world, will help drive the sector’s green revolution.

He said: “Our relationship with Hitachi Rail goes from strength to strength, and being selected for this milestone project reflects the quality and innovation of our electrification technology.  

“As battery-electric trains gain global momentum, we’re honoured to support a project that represents not just regional progress, but a broader shift towards sustainable transport across continents. ”

Koji Agatsuma, Hitachi Rail chief technology officer – vehicles, said: “This demonstrates our commitment to North East battery innovation.  

“Battery trains aren’t just about delivering greener, quieter journeys; they also create a new advanced manufacturing opportunity and unlock energy optimisation.”

Grand Central is operated by Arriva Group, and Paul Hutchings, Arriva UK Trains’ rail services managing director, said the deal marks an “important milestone in its decarbonisation journey”.

He added: “We’re extremely proud of our North East roots, so we’re thrilled the batteries for our new Grand Central fleet will be made in the region.

“This partnership will reduce emissions and fuel usage, and give passengers a more comfortable experience.”  

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