The UK’s first battery-only powered train will enter service tomorrow, Saturday 31st January 2026.

The Class 230 train has been undergoing trials for the past 22 months on the Greenford branch line.

On Saturday, the battery-powered train will make its debut in passenger service when it operates the 05:30 from West Ealing to Greenford.

The Class 230 train is a World Record holder when it operated for a distance of 200.5 miles, beating the previous record of 139 miles.

230001 will initially operate in passenger service on Saturdays, with a view to increasing timetabled services throughout the year.

The Class 230 is the ‘UK’s First Battery-Only’ train. Previous attempts have included a Derby-built 2-car unit that used batteries. However, the Derby 2-car used a Webasto oil-burning air heater.

The Class 230 uses its batteries for its full operation, including traction, control, heating and lighting.

“This is a significant moment for all those involved in this innovative project and comes at a crucial time as we focus on plans to replace our ageing diesel fleet.

“Our fast-charge trial has successfully demonstrated that battery technology offers a reliable and efficient alternative to power electric trains, in cases where overhead lines aren’t possible or desirable.

“Delivering the train into passenger service will enable us to gain further insight which can be fed into our own decarbonisation plans, as well as those of the wider rail industry.

“I’d like to congratulate colleagues at Great Western Railway and Network Rail who have worked so hard to make the trial a success and make this next step possible, and also pay tribute to the late Adrian Shooter, whose vision this was.”

GWR Engineering Director, Dr Simon Green

“We’re delighted to see this record‑breaking battery train move into passenger service, representing a major step forward for sustainable rail travel in Britain.

“I’d like to thank rail industry colleagues who worked collaboratively on this project, including our Network Rail teams who installed the fast-charge battery banks and assisted with the safety reviews to ensure both the train and the infrastructure were ready for the introduction of passenger services. GWR’s fast‑charge trial has shown just how promising this technology is and today marks another important milestone for the industry.

“Rail is already the greenest form of public transport, and battery‑powered trains will play a crucial role in our commitment to a low‑emission railway and ambition to reach net‑zero by 2050. We’re proud to have worked closely with GWR on this innovative project and we look forward to supporting the next phase as the technology is introduced into regular operation.”

Network Rail’s Western route director, Marcus Jones