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Swiss train builder Stadler Rail has secured a spot in the Guinness World Records with a hydrogen train that ran continuously for nearly two days for 2,800 kilometers on a full tank of hydrogen. Hydrogen trains could play an important role in sustainable train transportation where electrification is not possible.

Stadler Rail plans to deliver 15 hydrogen trains to Italy in the near future. | Credit: Stadler Rail

In the Netherlands, almost all trains now run on green electricity. But in many places around the world, trains still run on diesel. Building a network of high-voltage cables is costly, and the battery-electric train is less suitable for long distances through desolate areas due to its limited range. For train networks that still want to become more sustainable, hydrogen propulsion is an option. Ideally green hydrogen, made from solar or wind energy.

Hydrogen train

For exactly this reason, Stadler introduced its Flirt H2 passenger train at a major train fair in Berlin in 2022. This hydrogen train should replace diesel trains on routes where electrification falls short. The Flirt H2 runs on a combination of batteries, fuel cells and a hydrogen tank. The fuel cells feed the battery that provides the electric drive.

Driving around

The Flirt H2 was already running on a route in California. In practice, the train refueled with hydrogen every 460 kilometers. Now, on the test track in Colorado, it appears that the H2 has much more up its sleeve. On March 20, the train began its first lap after which several drivers took turns at the controls. More than 46 hours and 2,803 kilometers later, the train came to a complete stop again.

Electric train

At least for Stadler Rail, the world record is good advertising. California wants to further expand its fleet of hydrogen trains, and meanwhile Italian rail companies FdC and ARST have also applied to the Swiss. Stadler wants to deliver at least fifteen trains to Italy.

Incidentally, this was not the first time Stadler captured a Guiness World Record. In 2021, the company did the same with its electric train the Flirt Akku. Again, it was about the longest ride by a train on a full battery, good for a distance of 224 kilometers.

Groningen

The hydrogen train is also being tested in the Netherlands. For example, if all goes well, Groningen will be the first province allowed to drive with the new technology. After a successful trial period, the province and train operator Arriva decided to purchase four hydrogen-powered trains. From 2027, passengers should be able to use the hydrogen trains.

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