British Rail Class 805 | |
---|---|
In service | Planned for Summer 2024[1] |
Manufacturer | Hitachi Rail |
Built at |
|
Family name | A-train |
Replaced | Class 221 (Avanti West Coast) |
Constructed | 2021–present |
Number under construction | 8 |
Number built | 5 [3] |
Formation | 5 cars per unit |
Fleet numbers | 805001–805013[4] |
Capacity | 301 seats[5] |
Owners | Rock Rail |
Operators | Avanti West Coast |
Depots | Oxley (Wolverhampton) |
Lines served | |
Specifications | |
Car body construction | Aluminium[6] |
Car length | 26 m (85 ft 4 in) |
Maximum speed | 125 mph (200 km/h)[7] |
Electric system(s) | Overhead line, 25 kV 50 Hz AC |
Current collector(s) | Pantograph |
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The British Rail Class 805 AT300 is a type of bi-mode multiple unit which is being built by Hitachi Rail for Avanti West Coast. Based on the Hitachi A-train design, 13 five-car units are being built to replace Class 221s on services between London Euston and stations on the North Wales Coast and Shrewsbury lines. Their introduction will allow the elimination of long-distance diesel working on electrified routes.[5]
In December 2019, Avanti West Coast placed an order for 13 five-car bi-mode units which will replace its Class 221 fleet, along with 10 Class 807 electric units as part of £350 million contract with Hitachi Rail.[8] All were originally scheduled to be in service by 2023. The trains are financed by Rock Rail West Coast, a joint venture between Rock Rail and Standard Life Aberdeen.[9] The trains will be maintained by a joint team of Alstom and Hitachi staff, alongside Class 807s, at Oxley depot near Wolverhampton.
Passenger facilities promised include free Wi-Fi, at-seat wireless inductive charging for electronic devices, 230 V sockets and USB sockets, a catering offer and a real-time passenger information system that can advise of connecting rail services.[10]
In June 2022, static testing commenced at Newton Aycliffe and dynamic testing followed in November.[11][12] Main line testing began in February 2023,[13] with introduction into service originally planned for later in 2023,[14] before falling back to Summer 2024.[1]
Class | Operator | Qty. | Year built | Cars per unit | Unit nos. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
805 | Avanti West Coast | 13 | 2021–present | 5 | 805001–805013 |