Great Western Railway have introduce the UK’s first battery-only powered train into passenger service.
The record-breaking Class 230 train has been used for a successful trial of fast-charge technology on the Greenford branch line over the past 22 months.
Up until now it has undergone rigorous trials, but on Saturday it will replace its diesel counterpart, starting with the 0530 departure from West Ealing to Greenford.
Last year the train set a new World Record for the furthest distance travelled by a battery-electric train on a single charge, registering 200.5 miles and beating Stadler Deutschland’s record of 139 miles set in 2021.
Network Rail’s Western route director, Marcus Jones, “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.
GWR published a White Paper in July last year outlining the findings of the trial, which explored how discontinuous fast-charging can be used to support battery-electric trains calling at interim station stops.
As part of its future rolling stock plans, GWR will need battery trains to routinely cover over 60 miles between charges, with the successful record attempt providing clear evidence that the technology is a viable solution for the UK’s railway.
GWR is currently working closely with the DfT and other train operators to build the best financial case for investment in battery-powered trains.
230001 will initially operate in passenger service on Saturdays, with a view to increasing timetabled services throughout the year as GWR seeks to learn more about how it meets performance expectations.