Also known as: HS2 rolling stock
Vehicle type: Electric multiple unit - EMU
Registration country: United Kingdom
2009
In 2009, the Department for Transport (DfT) proposed a second high-speed line: High Speed 2 (HS2). The proposed route is based on a Y-shaped alignment from London to Birmingham with branches to Leeds and Manchester. The project is approved in 2012 in two phases:
Phase 1 - London to West Midlands (Birmingham);
Phase 2a - West Midlands (Birmingham) to Crewe & Phase 2b - Crewe to Manchester.
Following previous delays, the main stages of construction for Phase 1 officially began on September 4th, 2020, while Phase 2 is canceled by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in October 2023.
2010
The Train Technical Specification is issued with the Invitation To Tender (ITT), which is initially published in July 2018, and revised in March 2019, following clarification questions from tenderers. The following suppliers are shortlisted to tender following the initial June 5th, 2019, submission: Alstom, Bombardier - Hitachi consortium, CAF, Talgo and Siemens Mobility.
2021
December
Siemens and Talgo initiating legal challenges during the procurement process. The Talgo legal challenge is settled in June 2021; however, the Siemens case, initiated in the same month, proceeded to the High Court, where all counts are rejected in November 2023.
Construction of the new fleet is anticipated to commence in 2025, according to the contract award timeline. HS2 Ltd's2 chief rail officer, Emma Head, stated in a May 10, 2024, interview that the original schedule remains in effect. The trains will be manufactured in Britain, with tasks divided among Alstom's facilities in Derby (interiors and electrical systems) and Crewe (bogies) and Hitachi Rail's plant in Newton Aycliffe (car bodies).
The entire fleet will be designed to operate on both HS2 (which is constructed to the larger continental European loading gauge) and the conventional rail network north of Birmingham. In the same 2024 interview, Head indicated that a gauge clearance program is already in progress to ensure the new trains do not obstruct station platforms and other structures on the lines they will utilize. The first trains are expected to begin testing in 2028, with entry into service planned for at least 12 months thereafter.
1 Bombardier is acquired by Alstom in January 2021.
2 High Speed Two Limited (HS2 Ltd) is the company in charge of developing the HS2 high-speed line.
Sources: https://www.railjournal.com/in_depth/hs2-starting-to-become-a-reality/
2024
Fortunately, both manufacturers receive a lifeline before the end of the year:
Alstom secures a contract for 10x new nine-car Class 345 Aventra trains for Transport for London’s Elizabeth line, with maintenance guaranteed until 2046—sufficient to sustain production while waiting for the HS2 trains;
Hitachi obtains a contract for 14x new trains with rail operator FirstGroup, a £500 million deal signed in December 2024.
Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/dec/06/hitachi-train-deal-jobs-uk-firstgroup-newton-aycliffe, https://www.railmagazine.com/news/2024/06/17/alstom-and-dft-signs-deal-for-vital-aventra-order
2025
July 30
To enhance accessibility, the design incorporates features such as step-free access at new HS2 stations, reprofiled grab handles, and the provision of audio announcements and passenger information screens located in toilet cubicles. Additional design elements include a generous seat pitch which offers more legroom than any other standard class train operating in Britain, improved overhead and underseat luggage storage catering to passengers’ preferences for nearby storage, and family-friendly amenities like baby changing tables, clothing and bag hooks, and a pull-down child seat in toilet cubicles. The seats are designed with spacious tray tables and separate shelves for phone placement while viewing video content. Furthermore, the trains will include multiple power and charging options and horizontal bike storage to optimize space and facilitate quicker boarding and alighting for cyclists.
While the delivery schedule for the new trains remains unconfirmed, the initial delivery was planned for 2027. Recent developments indicate that the HS2 line between London and Birmingham will not be operational by the initially proposed date of 2033, with no new timeline disclosed.
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Latest update on the 11th of December 2025 at 22:39
Contributor(s): Tudor C.
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