Battery-powered train to attempt distance record

The battery-powered train will hopefully complete a return trip from Reading via London Paddington and Oxford

An attempt to break the world record for the longest distance travelled by a battery-powered train will be held later.

Great Western Railway (GWR) is hoping to complete 200 miles (322km) on a single charge to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the railways.

The retro-fitted 1982 District Line train will leave the depot at Reading at about 22:30 BST and is due back on Wednesday at 06:28 BST having travelled to London Paddington, Oxford and back to Paddington before returning to Reading.

The current record of 139 miles (224km) was set by German train company Stadler Deutschland in Berlin on 10 December 2021.

Chargers on the rails can top up a train's battery when it pulls into a station

The Rail Performance Society will be on board to verify the record attempt.

Dr Simon Green, GWR engineering director, said: "The record we're attempting can only serve to demonstrate the effectiveness of battery power and provide both ourselves and the wider rail industry with further evidence that this technology is the way forward.

"As part of our future rolling stock plans we'll need battery trains to routinely operate over 60 miles between charges."

GWR is exploring of battery trains could replace its diesel fleet as it goes out of service over the next seven to 10 years.

The train uses fast-charge technology which does not rely on overhead power cables and can recharge at stations with specially fitted charge points.

Rail historian Tim Dunn said: "Whether the record is broken or not, the British-originated technology being used is already a winner.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the hard-working, diligent team of engineers and experts to witness them push the limits of their latest experiment on 16 wheels.

"It's going to be a long but wonderful night."