A world record has been set by a battery train running on the Great Western Main Line, which completed 200 miles (322km) without a recharge.

The train had been converted to battery power by Vivarail, which was founded by the late Adrian Shooter, from redundant London Underground cars. After Vivarail ceased to exist Great Western Railway took over the trials, which have been under way on the Greenford branch in west London.

The test run took the Class 230 unit from Reading to London Paddington, then to Oxford, from where it returned to London and finally back to Reading.

The record has been set in the year of the Railway 200 festival, which is celebrating two centuries since passengers first travelled on a train hauled by a steam locomotive on the Stockton & Darlington Railway in September 1825.

The previous battery train record of 224km was set by Stadler Deutschland in Berlin in 2021.

The GWR run used ‘Supermode’, which meant running no faster than 40mph (64km/h) and switching off the train heating, GWR has calculated that under typical ‘branch line conditions’ it could still have achieved between 50 and 80 miles (80 to 130km).

The technology of modern batteries may be the future for many local services, because GWR’s present fleets, including many Class 150 units, are not expected to last more than another 10 years at most.

A key element of the Greenford line trials had been the short recharging periods, which were achieved by installing a short length of conductor rail in the branch platform at West Ealing. This rail is only energised when a train is present.

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 [about 100km] 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.

He 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.’

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