British Rail Class 781 | |
---|---|
Number built |
|
Fleet numbers | TBA |
Capacity |
|
Operators | Northern Trains |
Specifications | |
Train length |
|
Maximum speed | 100 mph (160 km/h) (Planned as of September 2025) [1] |
Axle load | Route Availability 3 (Planned as of 2025) [1] |
Electric system(s) | 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 781 is a planned fleet of four-car battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) trains to be built for Northern Trains.
In August 2023, Northern issued a tender to acquire a contract for up to 450 new trains to replace the older rolling stock in their fleet. [2] A more detailed tender for up to 329 new trains was issued in 2024, [3] and in January 2025, it was revealed that Northern had shortlisted five companies to build its new fleet - Alstom, CAF, Hitachi, Siemens and Stadler. [4] [5] [6]
Contracts are expected to be awarded in 2026, with the first units delivered by 2032. [1]
In September 2025, Modern Railways reported that the TOPS number 781 is reserved for the planned new BEMU fleet. [1]