[UK] A UK first for Vivarail: 40 miles on battery power

For the first time, Vivarail’s Class 230 battery train has run 40 miles solely on battery power. During test runs in the autumn of 2019, the battery train covered the distance many times, reliably. The Class 230 battery train is fully approved and ready for passenger service. It is able to replace aging diesel stock on a variety of lines – providing an enhanced service due to superior acceleration.

Vivarail’s battery-powered version of the Class 230 train – Photo: Vivarail

Adrian Shooter, CEO of Vivarail, said, “We began our work on battery power a couple of years ago and since then we have tested the train in passenger service at Bo’ness, built the fast charge system and proved the range the train can operate.

Due to a new type of battery to be used in upcoming production trains Vivarail is predicting a range of 60 miles between charges with only a 10 minute charge time.