The Class 805 is part of the Intercity Express Programme family like theClass 802 and 810 and are bi-mode units for Avanti West Coast to replace the Class 221 on services between London Euston and north Wales.
Avanti West Coast 805 008 at Stafford
Information
Number built:
65 (13 5-car sets)
Built:
2021-
Builder:
Hitachi
Motor:
Hitachi traction system (25kV AC OHLE) &
MTU 12V 1600 R80L diesel
As the Class 805 is bi-mode, a big advantage it has over the pure diesel 221 is that electric traction can be used while travelling under wires, which a fair amount of the route is under.
Testing of the units began in 2022 ahead of an expected entry into service by the end of 2023 but that was pushed back until Summer 2024. In service the trains are called the Evero by Avanti West Coast.
805 001 arrives at Stafford
Such a difference a livery makes! 805 003 at Stafford before it received AWC livery