Stuttgart

Connecting Stuttgart and the region with comfort and ease

Rock Rail Germany's fourth project

Rock Rail purchased an operation fleet of Alstom Talent 3+ units that operate in the State of Baden-Württemberg and Central Germany.

0 new vehicles

31 six-car Alstom Talent 3+ electric multiple units (EMUs)

High Acceleration

The Talent 3+ is fully electric and has a maximum speed of 160 km/h that enables fast train travel and is state-of-the-art for regional transportation.

Future-proof technology

With ETCS Level 2 signalling and modern traction systems, the fleet is ready for Germany’s next-generation digital rail infrastructure.

Stuggart Train Route
Railway line

Shaping the Future of German Rail

With this fourth investment, Rock Rail continues to play a central role in transforming Germany’s regional rail network – delivering cleaner, smarter, and more comfortable travel for passengers while supporting the country’s green mobility transition.

Stuttgart Press Release
Benefit

Benefits that move Germany forward

Fully electric, zero-emission operation

These trains replace older diesel units, directly contributing to Germany’s goal of a carbon-neutral rail network.

Faster, free Wi-Fi throughout

Stay connected seamlessly throughout your journey.

Long-term investment stability

Delivered in partnership with Aberdeen, the project reflects Rock Rail’s commitment to sustainable, income-generating infrastructure.

Quiet, reliable jorurneys

Electric traction offers smooth acceleration, low noise, and high reliability for everyday travel.

Future-proof technology

With ETCS Level 2 signalling and modern traction systems, the fleet is ready for Germany’s next-generation digital rail infrastructure.

Air-conditioning

Travel in comfort with climate-controlled environments.

Advanced real-time passenger information systems

Stay informed with live journey updates and station info.

Modern and inclusive design

Spacious interiors with 160 km/h capability, barrier-free boarding, and PRM-compliant facilities ensure comfort for all passengers.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where will the new trains operate?

The Alstom Talent 3 Plus units will serve routes in Baden-Württemberg, including the Stuttgart region, and the Saale-Thuringia-Southern Harz network in Central Germany.

These trains combine advanced safety and digital signalling (ETCS Level 2) with exceptional accessibility, energy efficiency, and comfort.

By replacing diesel fleets with fully electric rolling stock, the project significantly cuts emissions and noise pollution.

Rock Rail is collaborating with abrdn Core Infrastructure for investment and Alstom for design and manufacturing.

It marks Rock Rail Germany’s fourth rolling stock investment, showcasing continued growth and leadership in sustainable rail leasing.

Accreditations

Our trusted accreditations

Recognised by leading industry bodies, our accreditations reflect our commitment 
to quality, safety, and sustainability in every project we deliver.

ISO 9001
Cyber Essentials Certified

Stuttgart

Driving Net Zero: How Rock Road 
Is Funding the UK’s Bus Transition

Accelerating the shift to clean, affordable, zero-emission transport

Year
2025
Category
Rock Road
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The Challenge

The UK bus network is at the heart of everyday travel – but over 30,000 diesel buses still need replacing to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet.

While around 5,000 battery-electric buses are already on the road, the high upfront cost of electric vehicles and depot electrification continues to slow the transition. Traditional funding routes — such as government grants or short-term bank finance – have helped start the journey but cannot support decarbonisation at the scale required.

A new, sustainable funding model was needed: one that could attract long-term capital, spread costs fairly, and give operators and authorities confidence in the future.

The Solution

In 2021, Rock launched Rock Road to deliver exactly that –  applying its proven infrastructure financing approach from the rail sector to the UK’s clean bus revolution.

Working with Aviva, the National Wealth Fund, and HSBC, Rock created a dedicated investment platform that channels infrastructure-style finance from pension funds and institutional investors directly into zero-emission bus projects.

This model provides:
  • Access to billions in long-term private capital for fleets and depot electrification.
  • Low-cost, sustainable finance tailored to public-sector needs.
  • Comprehensive risk transfer, including residual value and battery performance, supported by Rock’s in-house team of engineers and asset managers.

Impact

The platform has already raised £100 million, with capacity to scale to £1 billion per year over the next decade – providing a consistent source of affordable capital for local authorities and operators.

Rock’s model ensures that the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric buses can now be lower than diesel equivalents, thanks to both cheaper long-term finance and reduced operating costs.

In London, Rock has financed 120 zero-emission buses under 7-year leases aligned with Transport for London’s contract lengths. This structure gives operators flexibility and certainty:

  • Buses can be returned, renewed, or upgraded at the end of term.
  • Lease rates are predictable and capped.
  • Ownership and residual risks sit with Rock, not the operator.

The Future

Rock Road’s ambition is to support the rollout of zero-emission fleets across the UK – helping local authorities and operators meet climate goals without overextending public budgets.

By leveraging limited government funding to attract large-scale private capital – for example, £10 million of public investment unlocking over £250 million in total funding – Rock’s model accelerates decarbonisation while keeping costs low for the public sector.

Our ambition is to make electric buses the default choice - not because of subsidy, but because they are the best economic and environmental option.
Louis Swindell
Commercial Director, Rock Road