Class 230 Development
October 2018
The UK’s first mainline production battery train in action. The Class 230 unit 230002 carried hundreds of passengers over 3 days in Scotland to demonstrate that green trains are available for operation today. The Class 230’s modular power units mean any Vivarail train can convert to battery power at any time – and the accompanying charging unit allows introduction on lines that are either non or only part electrified. Expect to see them in service in the near future!
August 2018
230003 (the first of the Marston Vale trains) next to 230002 (the battery train) at the main workshops.
May 2018
230003 first of the WMTL units being prepared for service on the Marston Vale line
May 2018
Units arriving at the Seaham plant
April 2018
230001 running on the Cotswold line
November 2017
230002 battery train in production
Photo courtesy of Ben Jones
July 2017
Vivarail awarded grant by Innovation UK for development of battery technology
June 2017
First passenger trips running as the ‘Honeybourne shuttle’ at Rail Live
February 2017
New Battery Packs
December 2016
On the mainline
November 2016
Arriving at Tyseley
October 2016
Brand new interior with UAT
April 2016
2-Car Unit running on test track
Photo courtesy of Peter Tandy
September 2015
Successful Crash Test
July 2015
New high-tech equipment installed
February 2015
Strip-out begins
January 2015
The first of the D78s arrives at Long Marston
“It has been an absolute privilege to see Vivarail go from strength-to-strength with its innovative approach to rail travel and wonderful to see how it has captured the imagination and enthusiasm of the rail industry. Not only is Vivarail a member of the Rail Alliance, but with both organisations are based here at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre in Warwickshire, the Class 230 has been a very familiar sight on our test track. A true example of a company that lives up to our strapline to innovate, collaborate, network and thrive.”
