MAN

Batter-powered rail for cleaner, greener Thüringen

First procurement of BEMUs

Rock closed its first procurement of Battery Electric Multiple Units for the Mittelthüringer Akku-Netz (MAN) network in Thuringia, Germany

Rock Rail Germany’s fifth rolling stock investment

0 new vehicles

19 two car Stadler FLIRT Akku BEMUs 

Emissions reduction

BEMUs are very sticky to the region due to a regional push to reduce emission combined with lack of electrification in the region

Successful delivery

These BEMUs will enter operation in December 2028 covering ~3.6km train km each year

MAN Train Route
Railway line

Transforming Travel Across Thuringia

The Mittelthüringer Akku‑Netz (MAN) network is set to become cleaner, quieter, and more connected than ever. Our new battery-electric trains will link towns and cities across central Thuringia, seamlessly bridging electrified and non-electrified sections.

Passengers can look forward to modern, low-emission journeys that make regional travel faster, greener, and more enjoyable.

Benefit

Benefits that move the 
nation forward

From enhanced passenger comfort to greener technology and stronger regional links — the West Coast fleet delivers long-term value for communities, operators, and the environment.

Supports decarbonisation goals

The fleet aligns with regional and national climate targets for cleaner, sustainable rail transport.

Faster, free Wi-Fi throughout

Stay connected seamlessly throughout your journey.

Plug sockets and USB slots

Power for every passenger with modern charging options.

Industry leadership

Partnering with Infracapital demonstrates Rock Rail's ability to fund sustainable infrastructure without public capital burden.

High acceleration and low dwell times

Smoother, faster services with reduced stop times.

At-seat wireless charging

Charge your devices effortlessly without cables.

Lower carbon emissions

Replacing ageing diesel trains with battery-electric units reduces carbon output across ~3.6 million train‑kilometres annually.

Air-conditioning

Travel in comfort with climate-controlled environments.

Advanced real-time passenger information systems

Stay informed with live journey updates and station info.

Significantly more seating capacity

Each unit offers 160 seats with dedicated spaces for bicycles, wheelchairs and prams.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the MAN network?

The Mittelthüringer Akku‑Netz (MAN) network serves regional routes in Thuringia, connecting key towns and cities. Parts of the network are non-electrified, making battery-electric trains ideal.

To support Germany’s transition to sustainable rail, expand our German portfolio and deliver a modern, reliable fleet to DB Regio.

They are battery-electric, can run on non-electrified tracks, and charge while under overhead lines – reducing emissions and operating costs.

It demonstrates our expertise in sustainable rolling stock investment, long-term leasing solutions, and delivering infrastructure projects with ESG impact.

Passengers enjoy modern, quiet, and accessible trains with WiFi, barrier-free access, and spaces for bicycles and wheelchairs.

DB Regio AG will operate the units under a 15-year lease agreement with Rock Rail.

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

MAN

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