Great Western Railway has set a new world record for the furthest distance travelled by a battery-electric train on a single charge.
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.
Rail Performance Society vice chair, Nigel Smedley, said: “We can confirm that, subject to final checks, the Great Western Railway Class 230 train travelled 200 miles on a return journey from Reding without charging its batteries from any external energy source.”
GWR engineering director, Dr Simon Green, added: “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.
“It’s a real tribute to colleagues at GWR and Network Rail who have worked so hard on developing fast-charge technology.
“The 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.”
