A Promo photo for the 810 , 2017.
The British Rail Class 810 AT300 is a type of bi-mode multiple unit which will be built by Hitachi for East Midlands Railway. Based on the Hitachi AT300 design, 33 five-car units are to be built to replace Class 180s and Class 222s on EMR's intercity routes. East Midlands Railway have given the units the unique Aurora brand. In July 2012, it was announced by Network Rail that the Midland Main Line would be electrified north of Bedford, allowing the diesel trains currently used on the route by to be replaced with new electric trains. However, electrification was paused by Network Rail in June 2015, and then cancelled in July 2017 by then-Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling, who made the decision to use bi-mode trains on the MML instead.
In August 2019, East Midlands Railway placed a £400 million order for 33 five-car bi-mode units which will be deployed on services on the Midland Main Line, replacing its Class 180 and 222 fleets. The order is being funded by Rock Rail East Midlands. Originally scheduled to be in service by December 2022, first trains were later expected to enter service in 2023. The Class 810 is an evolution of the Class 802s with a revised nose profile and facelifted end headlight clusters, giving the units a slightly different appearance. Additionally, there will be four diesel engines per five-carriage train (versus three on the 800s and 802s), and the carriages will be 2 metres (6.6 ft) shorter.
In October 2020, EMR announced they would be branded as Auroras following a public competition.