Vivarail's main project was the conversion of retired London Underground D78 Stock into two new classes for National Rail services.

GWR bought intellectual property, rolling stock and equipment relating to the development of high-performance battery and Fast Charge technology to continue Vivarail's work in these areas.

[5] The stated purpose of the Class 230 is to ameliorate a perceived shortage of affordable, modern rolling stock on Britain's regional rail routes, resulting from the slow pace of electrification.

Its Class 230 trains were temporarily withdrawn from passenger service on the Marston Vale line by London Northwestern Railway the same day.

[12] In February 2023, assets including rolling stock and intellectual property rights were purchased by train operator GWR, which also employed nine Vivarail staff to continue the preparation of its Class 230 for trial.