GWR Initiates Trials for Rapid-Charging Battery Trains

Battery-powered trains, equipped with a novel rapid-charging system, are currently undergoing trials by Great Western Railway (GWR). These trains utilize the onboard FastCharge battery, capable of delivering a charge equivalent to a full car battery in 85 seconds. It is anticipated that these trains could contribute to replacing their diesel counterparts. Converted from older Underground trains, the vehicles are being tested in west London, with eventual deployment expected in the Thames Valley. Simon Green, GWR’s engineering director, characterized these more environmentally friendly trains as a “really good solution.” GWR’s railway franchise covers the west and south west of England, alongside routes connecting London with Didcot, Oxford, Reading, and Windsor. Mr Green stated: “The environment in this train is just as good as it is in the diesel train. Some might argue it’s slightly better. Therefore, from a passenger’s perspective… it takes you along that path of decarbonisation and it allows us ultimately to remove diesel trains from those services and that environment.” He further commented that “most customers and most neighbours of the railway” would be “really pleased” to witness such changes. The charging system is activated before the trains depart on the return leg of their journeys. This design means the trains do not rely on a third rail or overhead wires, unlike systems such as those on the Elizabeth line. Trial manager Julian Fletcher explained: “The train comes to a halt, and then the rails become powered, and then they charge up the train, and that all happens within the minutes it takes the driver to get out of one end and in the other.” He noted that numerous successful tests were conducted prior to the installation of the charging equipment, including some that “covered ice, snow, and all sorts of contamination.” GWR possesses many similar carriages ready for conversion, including older Underground trains. Fare-paying passengers in west London are expected to begin riding the new trains from the spring.