Alstom to bring trains equipped with fuel cells to Germany

Alstom to bring trains equipped with fuel cells to Germany

January 25, 2018 0 By Bret Williams

New train to begin trial runs in Germany

Alstom, a leading manufacturer of trains, is making promising progress on its Coradia iLint, which may be the world’s first passenger train equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell. The new train is expected to make its debut in Germany later this year. The train will be part of Germany’s overarching efforts to revolutionize its railway system to become more environmentally friendly and cut down on emissions. If successful, the train may be the first of many that will be put to use in Germany and several other countries.

Alstom hopes to see more interest in fuel cells sparked by its new train

The iLint was first introduced during Innotrans 2016, an industry trade event. The train is currently slated to begin passenger trials in Germany early this year. Alstom believes that the new train is highly marketable to rail operators that are eager to make use of clean technology and cut emissions. The iLint is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell system that produces no harmful emissions while generating electricity. Alstom believes that, if successful, the iLint could trigger a revolution in the railway industry, encouraging more companies to embrace fuel cells in the future.

Hydrogen fuel is becoming popular in the public transportation space

Fuel cells have become quite popular in the transportation field. In terms of public transit, these energy systems have been embraced by several governments in order to reduce the emissions produced by buses. Hydrogen-powered trains are still somewhat rare, but companies like Alstom are working to change this by providing innovative solutions to organizations interested in clean transportation and technology.

New vehicles will need comprehensive infrastructure support to be successful

In order for fuel cells to find success in the public transit space, they will need comprehensive infrastructure support. There are very few hydrogen stations open to the public, but there are facilities that produce this fuel specifically for public transportation vehicles. Trains equipped with fuel cells will need considerably more infrastructure support than buses, but efforts are being made in countries like Germany to ensure that trains have access to the fuel they need.

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