The train travelled 200 miles on a single charge during a return journey from Reading Train Care Depot, which took in London Paddington twice and Oxford, on Wednesday, August 20.

This achievement surpassed the previous record of 139 miles, set by Stadler Deutschland in Berlin in 2021.

The 100-mile marker at Oxford (Image: GWR)

The Class 230 train, number 230001, is the train used in GWR’s trial of fast-charge technology on the Greenford branch line over the past year.

Dr Simon Green, engineering director at GWR, said: “We’re delighted to set a new world record.

“It’s a real tribute to colleagues at GWR and Network Rail who have worked so hard on developing fast-charge technology.

“Today’s record attempt has been a bit of fun, but it also underlines a serious point: investment in battery technology is essential as we look to replace our ageing diesel fleet.”

GWR recently published a white paper outlining the findings of its battery train trial, which demonstrated battery-electric trains could be a practical and cost-effective replacement for diesel units.

The train started from Reading shortly after midnight (Image: Jack Boskett)

The operator is currently developing plans to renew its regional fleet, much of which is expected to go out of serviceable use in the next seven to 10 years.

Dr Green said: “Overhead lines will remain the first choice to power electric trains, but where that isn’t possible or desirable, battery technology like this offers a reliable and efficient alternative to bridge the gap.

“As part of our future rolling stock plans we’ll need battery trains to routinely cover over 60 miles between charges – and today’s achievement provides clear evidence that this is a viable and exciting solution for the future of our railway.”

The record-breaking journey was verified by the Rail Performance Society, which monitors and records the performance of railways and railway traction in the UK.

GWR staff celebrate 163 miles at Paddington (Image: GWR)

Nigel Smedley, vice chair of the society, said: “We can confirm that, subject to final checks, the Great Western Railway Class 230 train travelled 200 miles on a return journey from Reading Train Care Depot without charging its batteries from any external energy source.”

Network Rail operations director Simon Gillibrand was among those at Reading Train Care Depot to welcome the record-breaking battery train.

He said: “We’d like to congratulate GWR on setting this world record.

“Rail is already the greenest form of public transport and today’s record-breaking journey shows what an important role new technologies will play in our commitment to a low-emission railway, with a goal of reaching net-zero by 2050.”