Great Western Railway (GWR) has taken a major leap in UK rail decarbonisation by introducing the nation’s first battery‑only powered train into passenger service. The record‑setting Class 230 unit, which has spent the last 22 months undergoing an intensive fast‑charge technology trial on the Greenford branch line, officially replaced its diesel counterpart with the 05:30 West Ealing–Greenford service.
The train has already captured global attention: in 2023, it set a new World Record for the longest journey completed by a battery‑electric train on a single charge — 200.5 miles, smashing the previous 139‑mile record set by Stadler Deutschland in 2021.
A Significant Step Toward a Battery‑Powered Future
GWR Engineering Director Dr Simon Green emphasised the importance of the moment:
“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: “A Major Step Forward for Sustainable Rail Travel”
Network Rail’s Western Route Director Marcus Jones praised the collaboration behind the project:
“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.”
What the Trial Means for the Future Fleet
GWR’s 2024 white paper explored how discontinuous fast‑charging could support battery‑electric operations on routes where electrification infrastructure is incomplete or not feasible. As part of future rolling stock planning, GWR expects to require battery trains capable of over 60 miles between charges — something now proven achievable thanks to the record‑breaking Class 230.
Work continues with the Department for Transport and other operators to shape the financial case for wider adoption of battery fleets.
For now, unit 230001 will operate passenger services on Saturdays, with service frequency expanding throughout 2026 as performance data builds.
