Hitachi Rail has been contracted to supply 30 high-speed ETR1000 trains to Trenitalia.
This deal is valued at 861 million EUR and also includes the option to provide a further 10 trains for an additional 287 million EUR.
The new trains will be delivered from spring 2026 at a rate of 8-10 trains per year.
They will primarily be used on the Italian high-speed network, but will also be able to run on European networks in countries such as France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands. This is thanks to onboard technology that allows the units to switch seamlessly between the different power supplies and signalling systems on these lines.
Since 2010, Hitachi Rail has built 58 ETR1000s for Trenitalia, Ferrovie dello Stato Group and has a further six units in the pipeline. With this latest order, the total number of trains produced will increase to 94.
Like the previous trains, these new vehicles will have the iconic red Frecciarossa 1000 livery and will be capable of operating at speeds of up to 350 kilometres per hour.
The use of light alloys for their bodyshells means that these units are light relative to their size and can offer impressive acceleration. This allows the trains to get up to speed quickly to reduce passenger journey times.
In addition to retaining the main characteristics of those already in service, these new units will feature an updated interior. This will include soundproofing, adjustable LED lighting, ambient air conditioning, onboard monitors, Wi-Fi and power sockets.
“The ETR1000s represent a real turning point in the travel habits of Italian passengers, and they are doing so also in Europe.
“This new contract confirms our commitment, as a partner of Trenitalia and Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane Group, in offering safe, innovative, comfortable and green mobility solutions, further improving connections across Italy and from Italy to Europe. The new trains will have cutting-edge features and a renewed and even more functional design that we are sure will be appreciated by passengers and our customers.”
