On Wednesday 14th February a UK record of 86 miles (138km) on battery power alone and without recharging was created by this train on the Cotswold Line .
GWR Engineering Director Dr Simon Green said, “It’s worth noting that in reaching the 86 miles on Wednesday, the train was operating in a real-world environment, at speeds of up to 60mph, stopping and starting over a hilly route, with elevation changes of up to 200m.”
GWR’s FastCharge technology has been designed to solve the problem of delivering reliable, battery-only trains capable of fulfilling timetable services on branch lines, helping to meet the Government and wider rail industry’s target to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The use of batteries for extended operation has typically been constrained by their range and meant widespread implementation has, until now, not been possible. It also negates the need for overhead electric lines which are expensive, time consuming to install and impact the landscape.
Record run: how GWR’s battery train clocked up 86 miles
Long Marston to Evesham West Junction, reverse, then to Moreton-in-Marsh = 25.6 miles
Moreton-in-Marsh to Honeybourne North Junction, reverse, then to Honeybourne Staff Hut and reverse again = 11.4 miles
Honeybourne Staff Hut to Honeybourne North Junction, reverse, then to Moreton-in-Marsh = 10.9 miles
Moreton-in-Marsh to Evesham West Junction, reverse, then return to Honeybourne Staff Hut via Honeybourne North Junction, then reverse again = 22.2 miles
Honeybourne Staff Hut to Evesham West Junction, reverse, then return to Long Marston via Honeybourne North Junction = 15.1 miles
Shunting to and from the maintenance shed to the entrance gate at Long Marston = 0.8 miles