Great Western Railway (GWR) introduced UK’s first battery-powered passenger train. It marks a major step toward cleaner and more sustainable rail travel.
The battery-electric Class 230 train began timetabled service on January 31, operating the 05:30 morning service from West Ealing to Greenford.
Earlier, the train went through a 22-month trial on the Greenford branch line. There, its rapid-charging system was tested under real operating conditions.
During the trial, the train set a 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.
GWR engineering director Simon Green said the trial proved battery technology can work reliably on the railway.
“Our fast-charge trial has shown that battery technology is a reliable and efficient way to power trains where overhead lines aren’t possible or practical,” Green said. “Putting the train into passenger service will help us learn even more. This knowledge will support our own decarbonisation plans and those of the wider rail industry.”
READ ALSO: https://modernmechanics24.com/post/us-war-games-mimic-shahed-136-drones/
Unlike traditional electric trains that rely on continuous overhead wires, the Class 230 uses fast charging at station stops. As part of the trial, a charging infrastructure was installed along the route. This allows the train to recharge its batteries during short stops rather than while moving.
Network Rail installed fast-charge battery banks and completed safety checks needed for passenger operation.
Marcus Jones, Network Rail’s Western route director, said battery trains are key to cutting rail emissions.
“Rail is already the greenest form of public transport, and battery-powered trains will play an important role in our journey to a low-emission railway and our goal of reaching net zero by 2050,” Jones said. “We look forward to supporting the next phase as this technology moves into regular service.”
WATCH ALSO: https://modernmechanics24.com/post/tesla-car-system-shows-instant-driving-decisions/
The trial findings published by GWR in July, 2025 explained how fast charging at selected stations could make battery-electric trains viable on routes without full electrification.
The operator said its future fleet plans will require battery trains capable of traveling more than 60 miles between charges. The record-breaking test run helped confirm that such ranges are achievable under test conditions.
GWR is now working with the Department for Transport and other train operators to develop the business and operational case for wider use of battery-powered trains across the UK.
READ ALSO: https://modernmechanics24.com/post/china-5100-year-old-dams-western-views/
The train, numbered 230001, will initially operate passenger services on Saturdays. According to GWR, it plans to gradually increase services as it gathers more data on performance and day-to-day operations.
