Great Western Railway today 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 Reading Train Care Depot without charging its batteries from any external energy source.”

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 7-10 years.

GWR Engineering Director, Dr Simon Green, said:

“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.

“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.

Simon Gillibrand 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.”

Railway 200 programme manager, Emma Roberts, added:

“Many congratulations to everyone involved in this record-breaking run. It's a special moment in a landmark year for a British invention that has constantly tested the boundaries of possibility. The railway’s pioneering pedigree and spirit of innovation is clearly alive and kicking, helping to shape the future."

Notes to editors

The 200-mile record was achieved operating in ‘SuperMode’ – travelling at speeds of between 30mph and 40mph and without heating. Our Innovation team calculate that around 120 miles could have been achieved travelling at full speed (60mph)

For more information or to request BROLL/Images, please contact newsroom@markettiers.com

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