GWR Puts World-Record Breaking Battery Train Into Passenger Operation

Great Western Railway is set to place the UK’s first battery-only powered train into passenger service this Saturday, 31 January, marking a major milestone for rail decarbonisation. The move follows an extended trial programme that has tested the limits of battery technology on the national network.

The Class 230 unit has spent the past 22 months operating on the Greenford branch line as part of a fast-charge trial, undergoing extensive testing rather than carrying fare-paying passengers. From Saturday, it will take over from a diesel train, beginning with the 05:30 service from West Ealing to Greenford.

During the trial period, the train achieved a global first by setting a new world record for the longest distance travelled by a battery-electric train on a single charge. It covered 200.5 miles, surpassing the previous record of 139 miles set by Stadler Deutschland in 2021.

Findings from the project were published by GWR in a White Paper released last July, examining how intermittent fast-charging at station stops could support battery-electric operations on routes without continuous electrification. The research forms part of GWR’s wider strategy to replace its ageing diesel fleet.

As the operator looks ahead, battery-powered trains are expected to routinely operate over distances exceeding 60 miles between charges. GWR says the record-breaking trial provides strong evidence that battery traction is a practical solution for the UK rail network. The company is now working with the Department for Transport and other operators to develop a business case for wider investment in the technology.

Unit 230001 will initially run passenger services on Saturdays only, allowing engineers and planners to monitor real-world performance. GWR expects to gradually increase the number of scheduled services over the course of the year as confidence in the technology grows.

GWR Engineering Director, Dr Simon Green, said:

“This is a significant moment for all those involved in this innovative project and comes at a crucial time as we focus on plans to replace our ageing diesel fleet. Our fast-charge trial has successfully demonstrated that battery technology offers a reliable and efficient alternative to power electric trains, in cases where overhead lines aren’t possible or desirable. Delivering the train into passenger service will enable us to gain further insight which can be fed into our own decarbonisation plans, as well as those of the wider rail industry. I’d like to congratulate colleagues at Great Western Railway and Network Rail who have worked so hard to make the trial a success and make this next step possible, and also pay tribute to the late Adrian Shooter, whose vision this was.”

Network Rail’s Western route director, Marcus Jones, added:

“We’re delighted to see this record-breaking battery train move into passenger service, representing a major step forward for sustainable rail travel in Britain. I’d like to thank rail industry colleagues who worked collaboratively on this project, including our Network Rail teams who installed the fast-charge battery banks and assisted with the safety reviews to ensure both the train and the infrastructure were ready for the introduction of passenger services. GWR’s fast-charge trial has shown just how promising this technology is and today marks another important milestone for the industry. Rail is already the greenest form of public transport, and battery-powered trains will play a crucial role in our commitment to a low-emission railway and ambition to reach net-zero by 2050. We’re proud to have worked closely with GWR on this innovative project and we look forward to supporting the next phase as the technology is introduced into regular operation.”

Image: Great Western Railway