Great Western Railway introduces UK’s first battery-only passenger train

Credit: Great Western Railway

Great Western Railway (GWR) will introduce the UK’s first battery-only passenger train on Saturday, 31 January, operating on the Greenford branch line. The Class 230 unit will replace a diesel train, with its first scheduled service departing West Ealing for Greenford at 05:30. Initially, the train will run on Saturdays, with potential for additional services later in the year as performance data is assessed.

The introduction follows a 22-month trial of fast-charge battery technology on the route. During testing, the train underwent extensive technical and safety evaluations to assess battery-electric operation, particularly on lines without overhead electrification. The Class 230 also set a new world record for the longest distance travelled by a battery-electric train on a single charge, covering 200.5 miles and surpassing the previous record of 139 miles set in 2021.

GWR Engineering Director Dr Simon Green described the move as “a significant moment” for the project, highlighting the role of battery technology as a reliable and efficient alternative to diesel trains. He said operating the train in passenger service will provide further insight to support GWR’s decarbonisation plans and the wider rail industry. Dr Green also paid tribute to the late Adrian Shooter, whose vision helped drive the project.

Network Rail has supported the initiative through its Western route, installing fast-charge battery banks and contributing to safety and infrastructure assessments. Network Rail Western route director Marcus Jones said the introduction “represents a major step forward for sustainable rail travel in Britain,” noting the importance of battery-powered trains in achieving net-zero carbon targets by 2050.

The trial demonstrated that battery trains could routinely travel more than 60 miles between charges, supporting GWR’s plans for future rolling stock on branch lines and secondary routes. In July 2025, GWR published a white paper outlining trial results, showing that discontinuous fast charging at selected stations can reliably support battery-electric operation.

GWR is continuing discussions with the Department for Transport and other operators to develop a business case for wider investment in battery-powered trains, further cementing the railway’s role in delivering low-emission, sustainable transport across the UK.