A s the UK races towards achieving its net zero emissions target by 2050, the path to success hinges on aligning a complex web of factors. Front and centre, transport stands out as a pivotal player in this transition. Every mode of travel – from cars to aircraft – is being reshaped by new innovations, but it is railway trains that have stepped into the spotlight. In particular, diesel-powered trains have drawn scrutiny, emerging as significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and a clear target for decarbonisation efforts.
Trains remain one of the most promising areas for transformation, especially as pressure mounts to improve reliability, reduce operational costs of commuter trains, and keep pace with European progress – where we are seeing these countries take the lead in sustainable travel. There’s never been a stronger argument to consider alternative power sources to counter these issues. Once just a vision of future travel, dismissed as a futuristic concept, the reality of fully battery-powered trains is almost within reach, thanks to breakthroughs in battery technology advances that have unleashed its potential. The very cells driving this progress are powering this shift in how we think about rail. Batteries are emerging as a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient alternative to diesel, setting the stage for a new era in rail travel.
Overcoming battery technology barriers
Historically, the move to battery trains has been hindered by the performance constraints of battery technology – chief among them being extended driving range, safety and long battery charging time. But these barriers are quickly eroding. Advances in battery chemistry and design are bringing the UK closer than ever to deploying mainstream adoption of fully battery trains.
For train manufacturers and designers, the shift to battery power is both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in balancing energy demands with strict space, weight and cost constraints. The opportunity and inherent benefit, however, is far greater: to create trains that are not only environmentally cleaner, quieter and more efficient, but also more adaptable to modern infrastructure and passengers’ expectations.
With the pace of recent advancements in battery innovation, the UK now has the tools and the opportunity to reimagine how energy is distributed across the network and, with the move to more decentralised power storage models, unlock new scalable possibilities for green transport.
Specialist next-generation battery development
Battery trains can revolutionise the UK’s rail network whilst reducing emissions and operational costs. Yet the real transition to battery-powered rail is not just about electrifying trains – it is about transforming what powers them. While early models relied on conventional lithium-ion technology, a new generation of lithium-metal anode batteries is set to take things much further and redefine the space.
These advanced batteries deliver much higher energy density, enabling faster charging capabilities so that trains can travel longer distances on a single charge. This reduces the need for frequent recharging downtime and improves the time that trains spend in service rather than spent idle. This increases route flexibility and makes them even more viable for widespread use. The batteries are also safety- designed, thanks to the absence of flammable liquid electrolytes – improving safety performance, while their extended lifespans mean fewer replacements and reduced waste.
At LionVolt, the focus on next- generation battery technology is driving performance leaps. The next generation battery cells in development feature a 3D lithium-metal anode, which promises up to twice cell-level energy density, significantly faster charging times, and longer life cycles – all while maintaining safety and longevity. A higher cycle life is a game-changer to maximise the battery’s durability and longevity before it needs replacing, enabling a smooth rail service.
Fuelling the UK’s battery-powered rail future
Engineering for rail is now focused on delivering solutions that are lightweight, scalable and safe. With this, the development of thin-film lithium-ion, sodium-ion, hybrid and solid-state batteries is making battery trains not only feasible, but highly practical. Their modular architecture allows seamless integration into both new builds and retrofits, without compromising performance or safety – giving operators the flexibility to modernise without overhauling entire fleets.
Battery weight is also a critical factor for rail. LionVolt’s development of ultra-lightweight thin-film batteries – using 3D electrode structures – delivers both the density and durability needed for real-world application. This blend of thin- film deposition and 3D structural technology addresses the key challenges of battery development currently facing the battery industry – energy density, charge rate and safety, whilst reducing weight. The thin layer deposition is used for the manufacturing of advanced chips, photovoltaics, OLED, and several other applications. And 3D technology is set to revolutionise the battery world, as when this film is inserted into a conventional battery cell, this product significantly enhances the cell-level energy density and allows for faster charging rates. These batteries are also chemistry-agnostic, adaptable across lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and emerging solid-state systems, creating a robust and versatile platform for the sector.
What’s key is that these batteries are not only high-performing – they’re locally developed. With continual development and improvement of the technology, and domestic production capabilities, the UK can reduce reliance on imports, stimulate job creation, and become a global leader in clean transport technologies.
The benefits of battery trains
With batteries now smaller, lighter, more powerful, and efficient, the case for battery trains in the UK has never been stronger. These advancements are increasingly aligned with government objectives for cost-effective, environmentally responsible, and passenger-friendly transport solutions.
A major benefit lies in emissions reduction. Replacing diesel-powered trains with battery alternatives supports the broader renewable energy sector and reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels such as diesel. This in turn can help lower greenhouse gas emissions and bring the UK another step closer to achieving its 2050 net zero targets. They also reduce air and noise pollution, improving the quality of life for communities living near rail lines. Furthermore, battery trains complement the renewable energy sector by enabling decentralised storage and helping integrate more sustainable sources into the transport network.
Operational efficiency is another key advantage. Thanks to improved energy density, today’s advanced batteries enable longer travel distances between charges and significantly reduce maintenance needs – particularly because they contain fewer moving parts.
The economic benefits are equally compelling. Higher energy density means lower long-term operational and maintenance costs for rail operators, which means rail operators can allocate resources more efficiently. These cost savings can then be reinvested into service improvements, station upgrades, future technologies, and expanded rail infrastructure – creating a positive feedback loop of innovation and continuous improvement.
In addition to these economic benefits, passengers stand to benefit too. Battery trains offer a quieter, more reliable journey. Increased train availability across the network, enabled by lower maintenance requirements and operational efficiencies, contributes to a more reliable and extensive rail system. These improvements can help rail operators manage budgets more effectively to lower fares for passengers. Improved rail services can also encourage more people to choose clean, efficient trains over road transport – reducing traffic congestion and emissions across the transport network and improving urban air quality. It is a holistic win that is all in the power of the battery to benefit rail, communities, the economy, and the environment, with battery design itself playing a role in moving the needle towards achieving net zero emissions goals.
Unlocking wider opportunities
What’s more, battery trains are particularly well-suited for regional and commuter routes, where full electrification of tracks is often impractical or too costly. They eliminate the need for overhead wiring and provide greater network flexibility, particularly on rural and branch lines, producing a scalable solution for modernising the UK rail network.
Beyond transportation, there’s also a significant opportunity to generate economic growth. The development and deployment of advanced battery technologies can stimulate the availability of high-skilled jobs and enhance national energy security. With this, a robust domestic battery supply chain will generate high-skilled employment and strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in clean, sustainable transport technologies.
While infrastructure upgrades – such as the installation of charging stations – will be necessary for widespread adoption, moving to fully-battery powered is a real opportunity. Beyond being just a technological advancement, the long-term economic, environmental and societal benefits of battery-powered trains far outweigh the upfront costs. For operators, the return on investment is clear: to lower operating expenses, improve performance, and create a transport system model of efficiency that is fit for the future.
Learning from Europe – and taking the lead
Fully battery-powered trains can help close the gap between the UK and Europe. As we continue to innovate and invest in next-generation battery technology, we can consider the developments in Europe a role model and strive to lead the world in sustainable rail transportation.
While countries like Germany, Italy and Japan have taken early strides in deploying battery-powered and hybrid trains, the UK has been slower to transition. This is mainly due to its reliance on diesel and the costs associated with upgrading legacy systems and infrastructure, at scale. There are also some key challenges to move to the next generation of battery trains, such as the installation of charging stations necessary to support widespread deployment.
But this is beginning to change, and fast. Recent trials such as the GWR’ intercity battery train trial and major investments – such as Arriva’s £300 million investment in tri-mode trains – signal a growing appetite for cleaner rail solutions. By accelerating innovation and focusing on homegrown technology, the UK has a chance to not just catch up – but to lead the way in creating a cleaner, greener future for rail transport. With policy support and industry commitment, battery-powered rail could become a flagship of British sustainability.
Looking ahead: Trains built for tomorrow
Battery trains aren’t just a stepping stone – they’re a cornerstone of the UK’s green future. With next-generation batteries delivering longer range, faster charging, and safer operation, they are primed to replace diesel and electrify routes that were once deemed too difficult or expensive.
As the UK continues to invest in battery innovation and infrastructure, these trains will become an integral part of the nation’s transport ecosystem. Cleaner, quieter and more efficient – they represent not only a technological evolution
