NZ: Alstom to Supply Battery-Electric Trains in Wellington

The Greater Wellington Regional Council has awarded a 1.065 billion NZD (538 million EUR) contract to Alstom to supply new battery-electric commuter trains and long-term maintenance services.

The agreement covers 18 Adessia Stream B five-car battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs) and 35 years of fleet maintenance under the FlexCare Perform programme.

The contract forms part of the Lower North Island Rail Integrated Mobility (LNIRIM) initiative, which aims to modernise regional rail services in the Wairarapa and Manawatu regions. The new trains will replace the existing diesel locomotive-hauled fleet scheduled for retirement between 2028 and 2029.

These will be the first battery-electric commuter trains to operate in New Zealand, enabling zero direct carbon emission services on non-electrified sections of the Wellington rail network.

The trains will be manufactured at Alstom’s Savli facility in India. Each unit will carry up to 475 passengers and operate at speeds of up to 120 km/h. The design will include accessibility features such as spaces for wheelchairs, bicycles, prams and luggage, as well as onboard toilets and drinking water facilities.

Pascal Dupond, Managing Director of Alstom Australia and New Zealand said:

We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with the New Zealand government, through Ministry of Transport, New Zealand Transport Agency, Greater Wellington and Horizon’s Regional Councils, alongside Transdev and KiwiRail, to bring Alstom trains and maintenance expertise to New Zealand for the first time. As the world’s largest end-to-end rail provider, with unparalleled delivery experience, this project will unlock a greener transport option for the people of Wellington. We are committed to delivering an environmentally friendly, modern and inclusive comfortable journey for every passenger.

The fleet will carry the name Tūhono, meaning “to connect” or “to unite” in te reo Māori. The livery will incorporate cultural elements designed in collaboration with Indigenous Design and Innovation, reflecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s heritage.

A new maintenance facility will be constructed in Masterton and operated by Alstom. The site will incorporate battery servicing infrastructure and predictive maintenance tools such as Alstom’s HealthHub platform.

Intelligent train control systems will also be deployed, with the onboard batteries allowing emission-free operation through sensitive sections of the network, including the 9 km Remutaka Tunnel.

The contract brings Alstom’s battery-electric technology to New Zealand for the first time, adding to recent orders for similar trains in Germany and Ireland.

Ling Fang, Region President Alstom Asia-Pacific said:

This achievement is a clear testament to Alstom’s commitment to advancing sustainable mobility and empowering our customers as they transition to green technologies. The contract will see us bringing our zero-emissions rail technology to the Asia-Pacific region for the first time and I look forward to even greater expansion and partnership in the region, as we continue supporting our clients in building a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The project involves collaboration between the Ministry of Transport, Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Horizons Regional Council, Transdev and KiwiRail.