French rail equipment maker Alstom has unveiled its first hydrogen fuel-cell train at a trade show in Berlin. The Coradia iLint, based on the design of one of Alstom's existing diesel trains, will provide the world's first hydrogen-powered passenger rail service when it enters service in Germany next December. Hydrogen fuel cells are being used to power trains around the world, but they have been limited by their high cost and lack of range. The hydrogen fuelling stations needed for fuel-cell trains could provide a cheaper alternative to electrification via overhead wires or third rails.
French rail equipment maker Alstom has unveiled its first hydrogen fuel-cell train at a trade show in Berlin. The Coradia iLint, based on the design of one of Alstom's existing diesel trains, will provide the world's first hydrogen-powered passenger rail service when it enters service in Germany next December. The trains will initially be powered by waste hydrogen produced by the local chemical industry, while on-board lithium-ion battery packs will store any power not used. The hydrogen fuelling stations needed for fuel-cell trains could provide a cheaper alternative to electrification via overhead wires or third rails.