Turntide Technologies, a provider of electrification solutions with operations in the UK and the US, has been selected by Hitachi Rail to supply next-generation lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery systems for its Grand Central intercity battery train program.
The partnership reflects growing global interest in battery-electric and hybrid train technologies that can reduce rail sector emissions without requiring full electrification of rail infrastructure.
Turntide will provide its second-generation LFP batteries, engineered to deliver higher power density and a more compact footprint compared to earlier lithium-ion technologies.
These systems will be integrated into nine new tri-mode trains to be built by Hitachi Rail for Arriva’s Grand Central and Angel Trains, marking the first newly manufactured battery intercity trains in the UK.
The order includes nearly £10 million in initial commitments from Hitachi Rail to support R&D and delivery of battery systems. This investment will contribute to the continued development of Turntide’s Gateshead facility while building momentum for battery adoption in rail markets globally.
The battery system includes an advanced battery management platform with Safety Integrity Level 2 (IEC 61508) compliance and cybersecurity features in line with IEC 62243 standards. These functional safety and cybersecurity frameworks align with requirements emerging in other markets, including North America, where rail electrification is a growing area of federal and state interest.
While this deployment is focused on the UK, the system architecture is relevant for US applications, particularly for routes that rely on diesel or partial electrification. Interest in modular, safety-certified battery platforms is increasing in both passenger and freight rail contexts, and this project may serve as a model for similar deployments outside the UK.
The partnership between Turntide and Hitachi also supports industrial development in northeast England, but its implications extend beyond the region. As battery systems become increasingly viable for mainline rail, this project contributes to the global shift toward cleaner, modular, and retrofit-ready transportation infrastructure.
Filed Under: Electrification, Technology News