GWR battery train breaks global distance record

In the year the industry celebrates 200 years since the birth of the modern railway, GWR registered an incredible 200 miles on a return journey from Reading Train Care Depot, which took in London Paddington (twice) and Oxford.

It was enough to smash the previous record of 139 miles achieved by Stadler Deutschland in Berlin in 2021 and demonstrates the capability of battery-electric trains as GWR seeks to replace its ageing diesel fleet.

Officials from the Rail Performance Society, an organisation dedicated to recording and studying the performance of railways and railway traction in the UK,
were on board to witness and verify the new world record.

“We can confirm that, subject to final checks, the Great Western Railway Class 230 train travelled 200 miles on a return journey from Reading Train Care Depot without charging its batteries from any external energy source,” Rail Performance Society Vice Chair, Nigel Smedley, said.

The Class 230 train, number 230001, is the one used for GWR’s successful trial of fast-charge technology on the Greenford branch line over the past year.

The new world record follows the release of a White Paper, published by GWR last month,
outlining the findings of the trial, which proved battery trains could provide a viable and cost-effective alternative to diesel trains.

It comes as the operator prepares plans to renew its ageing regional fleet trains, which are expected to go out of serviceable use in the next seven to 10 years.

“We’re delighted to set a new world record – and to reach 200 miles in such a landmark year for the rail industry is the icing on the cake,” GWR Engineering Director, Dr Simon Green, said.

“It’s a real tribute to colleagues at GWR and Network Rail
who have worked so hard on developing fast-charge technology.

“Today’s record attempt has been a bit of fun, but it also underlines a serious point: investment in battery technology is essential as we look to replace our ageing diesel fleet.

“Overhead lines will remain the first choice to power electric trains, but where that isn’t possible or desirable, battery technology like this offers a reliable and efficient alternative to bridge the gap.

“As part of our future rolling stock plans, we’ll need battery trains to routinely cover over 60 miles between charges – and today’s achievement provides
clear evidence that this is a viable and exciting solution for the future of our railway.”

Network Rail Operations Director, Simon Gillibrand, was among those at Reading Train Care Depot to welcome the record-breaking battery train. He said: “We’d like to congratulate GWR on setting this world record – reaching 200 miles during the Railway 200 celebrations is not just a symbolic achievement, but an important breakthrough that highlights the potential of battery-powered trains.

“Rail is already the greenest form of public transport and today’s record-breaking journey shows what an important role new technologies will play in our commitment to a low-emission railway, with a goal of reaching net-zero by 2050.”