Great Western Railway tests fast-charge battery train

Volunteers trialled it in a bid to one day bring it into service for passengers

A special test event saw 250 volunteers board Great Western Railway’s battery train to help provide valuable insight for its industry-leading trial.

The High Passenger Load operation tested energy consumption and will form part of findings to be fed back to the Department for Transport (DfT).

GWR launched its innovative fast-charge battery trial in March last year and is currently compiling a report which will help to shape the future use of fast-charge technology on the railway.

The test collected energy consumption data from two return trips on its Class 230 train between West Ealing and Greenford.

The technology allows the train to fast-charge for just 3½ minutes at West Ealing before restarting its journey on the Greenford branch line.

More than 900 return trips have been completed between West Ealing and Greenford, testing the technology’s capability in all weather conditions and temperatures.

It's hoped the test will help pave the way for the battery train to enter passenger service in the future.

Dr Simon Green, director of engineering of GWR, said: “This is the latest phase of our trial as we continue to work with the Department for Transport to gain valuable insight into the operation of a pure battery train.

“Over the past 12 months we have taken every opportunity to test both the fast-charge technology and the performance of the battery train, gathering insights to be fed into GWR’s decarbonisation plans as well as those of the wider rail industry.

“The work has successfully raised the profile of fast-charge technology as part of the potential solution to decarbonisation of lines that are difficult or expensive to reach through traditional electrification.”

GWR continues to work closely with the DfT.