Avanti West Coast Evero (Class 805 Hitachi A-train) Bi-mode Fleet
UK (West Coast Main Line; London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Chester, North Wales Coast lines) · 2021–2024 (built), 2024 (first service) · Part of a £350 million contract for 23 units (Class 805 and 807) (2019 prices)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe procurement of bi-mode units reflects a strategy to eliminate long-distance diesel working on electrified routes, contributing to environmental goals and operational efficiency. - The ORR improvement notice regarding the lack of an automatic speed supervision system highlights the critical importance of regulatory compliance and the potential for significant costs if not addressed during design and commissioning. - The joint maintenance agreement between Alstom and Hitachi staff at Oxley depot demonstrates a collaborative approach to fleet support and optimization. - The introduction of these trains aims to improve passenger experience and capacity on key West Coast Main Line routes, including extensions to North Wales.
Key engineering challenges
Designing bi-mode multiple units capable of seamless switching between electric and diesel power to replace diesel-only Class 221s on partially electrified routes. - Integrating advanced passenger facilities such as wireless inductive charging, 230V/USB sockets, and real-time passenger information systems. - Addressing regulatory requirements for automatic speed supervision systems, leading to an improvement notice from the ORR and potential retrofitting costs.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Rock Rail West Coast (owner); Avanti West Coast (operator)
- Lead contractor
- Hitachi Rail
- Lead designers
- Hitachi Rail
- Project type
- new build; vehicle/fleet programme
- Scale
- 13 units (5-car units); Car length: 26 m; Max speed: 125 mph (200 km/h); Capacity: 299 seats (25 first-class, 274 standard)
- Disciplines
- Mechanical; Electrical; Systems; Software
- Standards & frameworks
- UK railway standards; Office of Rail and Road (ORR) regulations
Sources: British Rail Class 805 - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_805) - Avanti West Coast: Our Evero Trains (https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/onboard/about-our-trains/evero) - Rail Engineer: The curious case of the Class 805 improvement notice (https://www.railengineer.co.uk/the-curious-case-of-the-class-805-improvement-notice/)