Game-Changer for Cornwall’s Railways?
Great Western Railway (GWR) has just released the results of a year-long trial that could transform how railways operate across Cornwall – and beyond.
In their newly published Fast-Charge Whitepaper (PDF), GWR shows that fast-charge battery-electric trains are not only viable, but also cheaper, cleaner, and more flexible than either diesel or full electrification. Their video summary is also well worth a watch:
Why This Matters for Bude and North Cornwall
GWR’s trial – using a converted London Underground train – tested a 2½ mile line in London, mirroring the kind of rural, low-traffic routes that are common across the South West. The system uses battery-electric trains that are ‘topped up’ via track-level fast chargers powered by standard lineside batteries. These batteries charge from the grid or renewables and only activate when the train is above them – making the system safer and far easier to install than traditional overhead wires.
The results were clear:
- 80% less carbon emissions than diesel trains
- Quieter and less polluting at the point of use – better for stations and local communities
- Cheaper to maintain and run than diesel or overhead electric
- Fast-charging in 3–4 minutes at stations using rails safe to touch when trains aren’t present
- Ready for routes like Looe, St Ives, Falmouth, Newquay – or even Bude, one day
GWR believes this system could power long rural routes such as Exeter to Penzance, but also points out lines for Looe, St Ives, Falmouth, Newquay – so they are already planning for Cornwall.
Anything that reduces the cost to the rail companies, while also being greener than current options, will make the business case for a branch to Bude much easier to justify. Battery-electric trains could one day return services to towns like Bude, where local campaigns like ours continue to push for better rail links to support the economy, tackle rural isolation, and help meet net zero targets.
As GWR says, the technology works – now the challenge is political will, investment, and planning.
Rail YouTuber Jago Hazzard covers his experience on the train here;
