GWR Launches UK’s First Battery Train: Greenford Line Debut

Great Western Railway launches the UK’s first battery-only train on January 31st, replacing diesel. This innovation offers a cost-effective path to decarbonize branch lines.

January 30, 2026 5:39 pm

🛑 Key Takeaways:

Great Western Railway will launch the UK’s first battery-only passenger train into service on January 31, replacing a diesel unit on the Greenford branch line.
The Class 230 train set a world record during trials, traveling 200.5 miles on a single charge, and can operate over 60 miles between charges in regular service.
This launch establishes a viable technical and business case for decarbonizing non-electrified secondary routes without the high cost of full electrification.

LONDON, UK – Great Western Railway (GWR) will deploy the UK’s first battery-only passenger train into public service on Saturday, 31 January. The Class 230 unit will replace a diesel-powered train on the Greenford branch line, with its inaugural service scheduled for 05:30 from West Ealing to Greenford. The launch follows a 22-month trial of fast-charge technology on the route.

Category	Specification / Detail
Project / Model	UK Battery-Only Train / Class 230 Unit
Operator	Great Western Railway (GWR)
Infrastructure Partner	Network Rail (Western route)
Route	Greenford Branch Line (West Ealing – Greenford)
Service Launch Date	31 January 2026
Max Tested Range	200.5 miles (single charge)
Operational Range	Over 60 miles between charges

Operational & Technical Details

The service launch is the culmination of a 22-month trial to validate battery-electric operation. GWR’s July 2025 white paper confirmed that discontinuous fast charging at select stations can reliably support services. Network Rail installed fast-charge battery banks to support the initiative. During testing, the train surpassed the previous 2021 battery-train distance record of 139 miles by achieving 200.5 miles on one charge. Initial operation will be limited to Saturdays to assess in-service performance data before a potential expansion of services later in the year.

Market Impact Analysis

This deployment provides a critical proof-of-concept for the UK rail industry’s decarbonisation strategy. It presents a cost-effective alternative to full, capital-intensive electrification for the country’s numerous branch lines and secondary routes. The operational data gathered will inform a broader business case GWR is developing with the Department for Transport. A successful rollout could unlock significant investment in battery rolling stock, positioning the UK to meet its 2050 net-zero targets for rail and reducing reliance on diesel fleets.

FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the main objective of this project?

To prove the viability of battery-electric trains as a reliable, low-emission alternative to diesel units on non-electrified sections of the UK rail network.

When does passenger service begin?

The first scheduled passenger service is on Saturday, 31 January 2026.