New record-breaking train in America innovative fuel and unprecedented range

EcoNews carries an article about a record-breaking hydrogen train, Caliber.Az reprints the article.

A record-breaking hydrogen train has arrived. It has proven that it can run for 50 hours with an autonomy never seen before in history. In the context of energy transition and decarbonization of the economy in which we find ourselves, H plays a fundamental role. This is why we have witnessed inventions such as the car with two hydrogen engines.

The production of H for energy purposes is a field being explored worldwide, especially in the mobility sector. Although many people think of cars when they hear the word ‘mobility’, this term encompasses much more.

Recall that the train was once used only to carry coal from the mine to the factories. Later, it became relevant and today it is used to bring passengers back and forth. In this context, how not to include H in the sector?

Hydrogen train impresses with its range

The long-awaited hydrogen train has arrived and has demonstrated an incredible ability to operate without refueling. No less than 2,800 kilometers. The H-powered fuel cell train bears the stamp of the Swiss manufacturer Stadler and ran for almost two days. It thus set a milestone in the industry with its Flirt H2 model train.

An achievement that not only highlights the potential of H as a clean energy source, but also as a new world record in sustainable mobility. Stadler announced the entry in the Guinness World Records database, with the longest distance traveled: 2,803 kilometers (1,741.7 miles).

Notably, this was a hydrogen-powered passenger train without refueling or refueling. The Flirt H2 train, powered by H fuel cells, has set a new standard in rail transport by traveling 2,800 kilometers without refueling.

Efficient and viable: this is the hydrogen train everyone is talking about.

This feat was extended by almost two days and demonstrates the efficiency and viability of H in trains. An apt way to move away from fossil fuels. The journey of the adventurous Flirt H2 began on the afternoon of March 20, 2024, at the Ensco test track in Pueblo, Colorado, US. For more than 46 hours, the train, with a single load, defied imposed laws and set a mega-record.

Flirt H2 comes to the industry as a result of a strong commitment to innovation. It was presented for the first time in 2022, under the framework of the Innotrans trade fair in Berlin. It is an adaptation of the Flirt model, designed for regional and commuter service.

It has two electric motor cars and an intermediate car, 108 seats and additional space for standing passengers. The Flirt H2 resides in its intermediate car called the Powerpack, which houses the fuel cells and H tanks.

These fuel cells convert H into electricity, powering the train’s engines and storing additional energy in its traction batteries.

Hydrogen, the fuel of the future

Initially, this was a development for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority in California to work in extreme conditions, with ambient temperatures as high as 49 degrees Celsius. This record shows Stadler’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, as well as the incredible potential of hydrogen as a fuel of the future.

Ultimately, the hydrogen train has broken all records with a record-breaking range and 50 hours on the move. Merging H and an electric motor in a super-renewable car was shocking news, but this train is unheard of, although is raising optimism in the entire sector at European and global level.

The key is now to expand the network of hydrogen refueling stations, which will allow the use of this fuel in heavy transport in other sectors, such as construction (in fact, manufacturers such as MAN are exploring similar and very promising ideas that we saw a few months ago).