HAH-S will deliver Europe’s fastest operational train, capable of operating at maximum speeds of 225mph (360 km/h), significantly reducing journey times for passengers. The fleet will be 100% electric and be one of the world’s most energy efficient very high-speed trains due to the lower train mass per passenger, aerodynamic design, regenerative power and latest energy efficient traction technology.
HAH-S will manufacture the 54 trains at newly enhanced facilities in County Durham, Derby and Crewe. The new 200m-long, eight-car trains are set to run in Phase 1 of the project between London and Birmingham, and on the existing network, and will dramatically increase capacity and connectivity between towns and cities across the country. They will have a major impact in reducing carbon emissions from transport by encouraging people away from fossil fueled cars and planes, and onto rail.
Andrew Barr, group CEO, Hitachi Rail said, “We are excited to be pioneering the next generation of high-speed rail in the UK as part of our joint venture with Alstom. This British-built bullet train will be the fastest in Europe, and I am proud of the role that Hitachi will play in helping to improve mobility in the UK through this project.”
Alstom’s managing director, UK & Ireland, Nick Crossfield added, “HS2 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Britain by building a sustainable transport system fit for the 21st Century. I am delighted that Alstom’s joint venture with Hitachi Rail has been selected to develop, build and maintain in Britain the next generation of high-speed trains.”
Being 100% electric and having the ability to transport more than 500 people per journey, ensures the new HS2 fleet is a lower carbon alternative than making the same journey by road or air. This environmental benefit will increase over time as the electricity it draws from the grid becomes increasingly decarbonized in the coming decades.
The lightweight and aerodynamic design, coupled with latest energy efficiency traction technology, ensures that the HS2 fleet will be one of the world’s most energy efficient very high-speed trains. The state-of-the-art regenerative braking system improves energy efficiency even further by returning electricity back to the national grid.
Hitachi and Alstom win order to build and maintain all-electric HS2 trains in Britain
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Alstom and Hitachi Rail have confirmed that the Hitachi-Alstom High Speed (HAH-S) 50/50 joint venture has signed contracts with High Speed Two (HS2) to design, build, and maintain the next generation of very high speed trains for HS2 Phase 1 as part of the £1.97bn (US$2.6bn) contract, including an initial 12-year train maintenance contract.
