Hitachi Rail to provide Trenitalia with 30 high-speed trains
Hitachi Rail has formalised an agreement valued at 861 million euros with Trenitalia for the procurement of 30 ETR1000 high-speed trains, with an option for an additional ten trains for an extra 287 million euros. These trains are slated for delivery starting in the spring of 2026.
The upcoming fleet of trains, sporting the distinctive red Frecciarossa 1000 livery akin to their predecessors, is intended primarily for deployment on the Italian high-speed network. These trains possess the capability to operate seamlessly across European networks, including high-speed lines in countries such as France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The onboard technology enables the fleet to traverse various national railway infrastructures effortlessly, seamlessly adapting to diverse power supplies and signalling systems for pan-European journeys.
Since 2010, a total of 58 ETR1000s have been constructed for Trenitalia and parent company Ferrovie dello Stato Group, with an additional six currently in the production pipeline. This latest order for 30 trains elevates the overall count to 94. Manufacturing of the new fleet is scheduled to take place at Hitachi Rail’s Italian facilities in Naples and Pistoia, near Florence, with the initial deliveries slated to commence in spring 2026 at a rate of 8-10 trains per year.
Sustainability and design
With a top speed of 350 kilometres per hour in passenger operation, the companies say the ETR1000 stands out for its “environmentally conscious design”. Light alloys are used to construct the vehicle’s bodyshell. This design choice imparts a favourable weight-to-power ratio, facilitating acceleration and reduced passenger journey times. Approximately 95.8 per cent of materials are recoverable for reuse at the end of the train’s life.
The forthcoming trains will introduce an updated interior while retaining the core features of their iconic predecessors. Final design details, including enhanced comfort standards such as soundproofing for quiet journeys, adjustable LED lighting, ambient air conditioning, accessibility features for passengers with reduced mobility, onboard monitors, and Wi-Fi and power sockets for electronic devices, will be unveiled before the commencement of passenger service. These ETR1000 trains, measuring around 200 metres in length, will accommodate 460 seated passengers and feature a bistro area onboard.
Further reading:
