Prussian State Railways Electrification Trial

On June 16, 1903, the Prussian State Railways ran successful trial electric trains on the Niederschöneweide–Spindlersfeld line near Berlin using 15 kV AC overhead lines. This marked one of Europe's first attempts at high-voltage AC electrification for mainline service. Engineers like Walter Reichel developed innovative motors and transformers to handle the power demands. The trials addressed steam locomotive limitations in urban areas and paved the way for widespread adoption in Germany and beyond, improving efficiency and reducing pollution. It influenced later systems like the German DRG Class E 18 locomotives.