Sunita Somvanshi
New Zealand is getting its first fleet of battery-electric commuter trains in a €538 million (NZD 1.065 billion) deal announced on 8 September 2025. The agreement will bring 18 new trains to Wellington’s regional rail network, replacing diesel trains set to retire by 2029.
Greater Wellington Regional Council awarded the contract to train maker Alstom for both the delivery of the new trains and their maintenance for the next 35 years. These trains, named “Tūhono” (meaning “to connect” in Māori), will run on the Wairarapa and Manawatū lines.
The main benefit of these trains is their zero direct carbon emissions, even on non-electrified tracks. The battery technology allows them to travel through the 9-kilometer Remutaka Tunnel without releasing exhaust fumes, improving air quality and cutting environmental impact.
Each five-car train can carry up to 475 passengers and reach speeds of 120 km/h. The trains will have spaces for wheelchairs, bicycles, and prams, plus toilets, water dispensers, and vending machines.
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.”
The trains will be built at Alstom’s factory in Savli, India. A new maintenance facility will be built in Masterton, where Alstom will service the trains using their HealthHub system, which helps predict when parts need maintenance before they break down.
The trains’ design will include cultural elements developed with Indigenous Design and Innovation, reflecting New Zealand’s heritage.
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This contract is part of Wellington’s Lower North Island Rail Integrated Mobility (LNIRIM) program to modernize regional rail services. The project involves many partners including the Ministry of Transport, Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency, Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils, Transdev, and KiwiRail.
Ling Fang, Alstom’s Region President for Asia-Pacific, noted: “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.”
The Tūhono trains are part of a growing trend. Alstom has sold 60 battery-electric trains for commuter and regional networks since 2020, including orders from Germany and Ireland.
The trains will also feature a connected driver advisory system and intelligent train control to support efficient, emission-free operations.
With the current diesel fleet scheduled to retire between 2028 and 2029, the new battery-electric trains will upgrade Wellington’s rail network, offering more comfortable, accessible, and environmentally friendly travel for commuters in the coming years.
