Avanti Uses Diesel Traction on Electrified Route to Support New Liverpool Services

Avanti West Coast has confirmed that one of its newly introduced Liverpool services is operating partly on diesel power despite running on an electrified section of the West Coast Main Line, due to restrictions on the available electricity supply between Weaver Junction and Crewe.

The arrangement has been introduced as part of the operator's May timetable changes, which added two extra daily services between London Euston and Liverpool in response to growing passenger demand.

To operate the additional trains, Avanti is using its new Class 805 Evero bi-mode fleet, which can switch between electric and diesel traction depending on network conditions.

While the route is fully electrified, limitations in the power infrastructure serving the Weaver–Crewe section have led Network Rail to impose restrictions on electrical demand in the area. As a result, one of the new Liverpool services is operating in diesel mode for a significant portion of its journey to avoid placing additional strain on the network.

The issue stems from a declaration issued by Network Rail in late 2025 identifying the Weaver feeding area as electrically constrained. The designation was not related to a shortage of train paths but instead reflected concerns about the capacity of the existing power supply infrastructure.

Under the current operating arrangement, Avanti's Class 805 trains switch to diesel traction between Runcorn and Lichfield Trent Valley before returning to electric operation for the final section into London Euston. The second additional Liverpool service continues to operate using electric power throughout.

Avanti West Coast said the solution had been developed in collaboration with Network Rail to enable the introduction of extra services while maintaining the reliability of the wider network.

The operator said the use of bi-mode technology allows additional capacity to be provided without compromising the stability of the power supply on one of the country's busiest rail corridors.

Network Rail has attributed the constraints to ageing electrical infrastructure, including equipment within the Weaver power supply system. The organisation said electricity demand in the area must currently be managed carefully to ensure safe and reliable operation of train services.

The situation highlights the growing challenges facing parts of the UK's electrified railway network, where increasing service frequencies and modern rolling stock are placing greater demands on legacy power systems.

While bi-mode trains offer operational flexibility in the short term, the issue is likely to renew discussion around the need for investment in electrical infrastructure upgrades to support future growth on the West Coast Main Line.

The additional Liverpool services represent part of Avanti West Coast's wider programme to improve connectivity between the North West and London, with the new timetable providing more travel options for passengers throughout the day.