British Rail Class 820
| British Rail Class 820 | |
|---|---|
 Concept art | |
| Stock type | Tri-Mode Multiple Unit |
| In service | 2028 (planned) |
| Manufacturer | Hitachi Rail |
| Built at | |
| Family name | Hitachi A-train |
| Replaced | Class 180 & Class 221 (future) |
| Number under construction | 9 |
| Formation | 5 cars per unit |
| Owner | Angel Trains |
| Operator | Grand Central |
| Specifications | |
| Electric system | 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead |
| Current collection | Pantograph |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The British Rail Class 820 is a type of tri-mode multiple unit to be manufactured by Hitachi Rail for Grand Central. Based on the Hitachi A-train design, 9 five-car units will be built, powered by 25 kV AC 50 Hz electrification, as well as battery and diesel power.
History
[edit]On 3 April 2025, Grand Central announced plans to order a fleet of nine new five-car tri-mode trains.[1] The units are powered by 25 kV AC 50 Hz electrification, as well as battery and diesel power[2][3]
In March 2026, it was announced that Grand Central's new fleet will be known as the Class 820 under TOPS.[3] The fleet will cost £300 million and is to be financed by Angel Trains, with the fleet being built by Hitachi Rail at its Newton Aycliffe Manufacturing Facility.[2][1]
The first deliveries of the Class 820 are planned for 2028 and will replace Grand Central's Class 180 fleet.[1][2]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 "Grand Central to receive new £300 million battery hybrid fleet". Grand Central. 4 April 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 Pickering, Graeme (May 2025). "Grand Central orders new trains from Hitachi and aims to connect Newcastle and Brighton". Headline News. The Railway Magazine. Vol. 171, no. 1490. p. 9.
- 1 2 Stubbings, David (17 March 2026). "Grand Central tweaks Cleethorpes plan - confirms class number of tri-mode sets". Rail Magazine. Retrieved 18 March 2026.