First hybrid Hitachi TransPennine trains due to reach UK in next couple of months

Hitachi’s first test TransPennine Express trains (TPE) have left Japan and are due to arrive in the UK in the next couple of months.

The new Nova 1 trains, are hybrid-powered, can reach speeds of up to 140mph in electric mode and 125 mph using diesel engines. They will use MTU engines from Rolls-Royce to cut harmful emissions under diesel power by as much as 90 per cent.

The first trains will be tested across the north during the summer, before going live next year. The trains have been designed to service the TransPennine route, which connects the five main city regions in the north of England: Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Sheffield.

Hitachi’s decision to choose more than 30 UK firms to supply key components have created jobs across the north, including at depots along the route. Hitachi recently built an £80m depot in Doncaster.

TransPennine Express Managing Director Leo Goodwin said: “We are very excited that the first test train of our Nova 1 fleet has now left Japan and is bound for the UK. I’m sure along with many others I will be keeping a watchful eye on the tracker.

“TransPennine Express is delivering an investment of £500m in the next two years in additional services, more seats and not one but three brand new train fleets.”