29 110mph 121m Adessia Stream trains from Alstom for Trans Pennine Express. Built in Derby. Let's see how this goes!
this post was submitted on 11 Sep 2026
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What's the point in battery powered trains? They will be a lot heavier and more expensive (per train) than electric trains that are connected to the grid through over track cables, which we already have in a lot of places.
I get it's likely faster to get going, since you don't need as much infrastructure. But it really seems like a short term solution.
They're excellent at replacing diesel units on lines where electrification is beyond economic viability.
There's not really a down side that makes them a short term solution.
The weight isn't really an issue as you get a lot of the energy returned, and these units still aren't pushing the axle loading of freight locomotives.
The train lines between Manchester - Leeds & York go over the Pennines with lots of very old, very long tunnels. The cost to electrify those lines probably doesn't make it worth it. Maybe they could partially electrify it closer to Manchester & Leeds which would require smaller and lighter batteries.
You can view the line on this drivers cab video from Manchester to York.
The route is being electrified as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, should be finished in 15 years or so.