Great Western Railway (GWR) has introduced the UK's first battery-only powered train into passenger service, marking a significant milestone in sustainable rail travel. The Class 230 train, which set a world record last year by travelling 200.5 miles on a single charge, began its service on 31 January with a 0530 departure from West Ealing to Greenford.
The train has been part of a 22-month trial of fast-charge technology on the Greenford branch line, replacing its diesel counterpart. GWR's Engineering Director, Simon Green, highlighted the importance of this development, stating that the trial demonstrated battery technology as a reliable alternative for powering electric trains where overhead lines are impractical. "Delivering the train into passenger service will enable us to gain further insight which can be fed into our own decarbonisation plans," he said.
Network Rail's Western route director, Marcus Jones, praised the collaboration that made this project possible, noting the train's potential role in achieving a low-emission railway and net-zero targets by 2050. The train will initially operate on Saturdays, with plans to expand services as GWR evaluates its performance.
GWR's White Paper from July last year detailed the trial's findings, showing that battery-electric trains could cover over 60 miles between charges. The company is working with the Department for Transport and other operators to support investment in battery-powered trains
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