UK’s First Battery-Only Passenger Train Enters Service as Great Western Railway Makes History
Britain’s rail network has reached a major sustainability milestone.
Great Western Railway (GWR) has officially introduced the UK’s first battery-only powered passenger train into service, replacing a diesel train on the Greenford branch line and marking a breakthrough moment for low-emission rail travel.
The record-breaking Class 230 battery-electric train entered passenger service on Saturday, 31 January, beginning with the 05:30 departure from West Ealing to Greenford—a quiet early-morning run that signalled a very loud message for the future of rail.
From Trials to Timetabled Passenger Service
The train follows 22 months of intensive testing, during which GWR successfully trialled fast-charge battery technology on the Greenford line. Until now, the unit had only operated under controlled trial conditions. Its introduction into scheduled passenger service represents a decisive step from experimentation to real-world operation.
The battery train has now fully replaced its diesel counterpart on the route, demonstrating that battery-electric traction can meet the demands of daily passenger services.
A World Record on a Single Charge
Last year, the same train set a new world record, travelling 200.5 miles on a single battery charge—surpassing the previous record of 139 miles set in 2021 by Stadler Deutschland.
The achievement provided strong evidence that battery-electric trains can operate over meaningful distances, even on routes without continuous electrification.
A Turning Point for Diesel Replacement
“This is a significant moment,” said Dr Simon Green, GWR’s Engineering Director, describing the launch as a crucial step in plans to replace the company’s ageing diesel fleet.
He explained that the fast-charge trial has shown battery technology to be a reliable and efficient alternative where overhead electrification is not feasible or desirable. Introducing the train into passenger service will allow GWR to gather valuable operational data to inform both its own decarbonisation strategy and that of the wider rail industry.
Dr Green also paid tribute to the late Adrian Shooter, whose vision helped shape the project.
Network Rail Backs Battery Rail Future
Network Rail welcomed the move as a major advance for sustainable transport.
“This record-breaking battery train entering passenger service is a major step forward for sustainable rail travel in Britain,” said Marcus Jones, Western Route Director at Network Rail.
He highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project, including the installation of fast-charge battery banks and extensive safety reviews to ensure both infrastructure and rolling stock were ready for passenger operation.
With rail already the greenest form of public transport, Jones said battery-powered trains will play a key role in the industry’s ambition to reach net zero by 2050.
Why Battery Trains Matter
GWR’s long-term rolling stock plans require battery trains capable of routinely covering over 60 miles between charges. The successful world-record run and ongoing passenger operation provide compelling proof that battery technology can meet these requirements.
A White Paper published by GWR last July outlined how discontinuous fast-charging at selected station stops could support wider deployment of battery-electric trains across the UK rail network.
GWR is now working closely with the Department for Transport and other train operators to build a strong investment case for expanding battery-powered rail services.
What Happens Next
The Class 230 unit 230001 will initially operate passenger services on Saturdays, with plans to increase the number of scheduled services throughout the year as performance data is gathered.
As Britain looks to decarbonise transport without waiting decades for full electrification, GWR’s battery train may offer a powerful glimpse of how the railways of the future will run—quietly, cleanly, and without diesel.
