It runs on the same bogies but these are rebuilt to as-new standard by Wabtec and fitted with brand-new three-phase AC induction motors sourced from Austria.

[9][10] During October 2017, West Midlands Trains announced that it would procure three 2-car D-Trains for the Marston Vale line[11] and the first unit entered service in April 2019.

The stated purpose of the D-train is to ameliorate a perceived shortage of affordable, modern rolling stock on Britain's regional rail routes, resulting from the slow pace of electrification.

[18] It features four 106 kWh battery rafts, which provide for an operational range of 40 miles (64 km), requiring an eight-minute charge after each journey.

[18] The first D78 units were delivered to Vivarail on 19 January 2015; conversion of a single-car prototype to facilitate testing and marketing activities commenced shortly thereafter.

[24] In February 2018, Vivarail announced that its first two-car battery unit was approaching completion and was projected to run on the main line network during that summer.

[27] The Class 230 D-Train is a family of trains, functioning either as a diesel electric multiple unit or a battery EMU dependent upon the configuration used, developed and produced by Vivarail for use on the National Rail network.

In general, the D-Train is to be fitted with accessible toilets, refreshment trolleys, at-seat tables, Wi-Fi, storage and iPad holders.

[18] The two-car vehicle is to be configured to accommodate 86 seats per unit and, including standing room, provides for a total passenger capacity of 188.

[18] The construction practices for producing the D-Train have been promoted as being carbon-neutral as a result of deliberate efforts to reduce the levels of waste, energy consumption, time and costs involved.

Emission-reduction measures have been taken, including the adoption of a diesel engine that incorporates a start-stop system, while the use of trackside maintenance practices has been promoted as contributing to meaningful empty mileage fuel savings as well as lessening its impact upon the environment.

[16] Lithium Werks (formerly Valance) is the supplier of the battery rafts, while the electronic power control systems are produced by Strukton Rail.

Reportedly, the design of the D-Train is compliant with current rail industry emission standards, including the applicable elements of its automotive technology.

However, the proposal drew criticism from the Rail Maritime and Transport Union as being a scheme to provide "second-hand" trains to the region instead of new stock.

[30] While the East Anglia franchise includes some very rural routes where previously only single carriage trains were used, the successful bidder opted for new stock instead.

[40][41] During March 2018, it was announced that plans were being developed to take a Class 230 to the United States, in order to demonstrate how they could provide a low-cost rolling stock option for new passenger services.

Modern Railways observed "Vivarail makes no allowance for non-capital rental costs, which suggests that there is no provision for amortisation or major mid-life overhaul as would be the case with a new train"[47] From December 2018, West Midlands Trains, also operating as London Northwestern Railway was intending to operate three Class 230 units on the Marston Vale Line,[51] but their introduction was delayed, entering service on the Bletchley to Bedford line on 23 April 2019.

[citation needed] Entry into service has been delayed by a number of technical issues with the fleet and was further complicated by Vivarail's going into administration on 1 December 2022.

[59][60][61] In February 2022, Great Western Railway announced plans to test fast-charge battery technology on the Greenford branch line.

It was later redecorated and shipped to the United States, and as of November 2021[update] was involved in demonstrating the Railroad Development Corporation's "pop-up metro" concept at the Rockhill Trolley Museum in Pennsylvania.

[70] The pop-up metro concept aims to provide a "complete package" of trains, platforms, operating rules, and support functions that can help to demonstrate the feasibility and value of investing in introducing, or reintroducing, regular passenger services on lines that are currently not served.

[11][71] The first Class 230 entered passenger service (230004) with West Midlands Trains on the Marston Vale line between Bedford and Bletchley, on 23 April 2019.