A hydrogen fuel cell passenger train from rail vehicle manufacturer Stadler Rail set a Guinness World Record by running continuously for nearly two days over 2,803 km.
The Flirt H2 sets a record for the longest distance a hydrogen-powered train has traveled without refueling or recharging. Video : Stadler Rail AG
The push to replace fossil-fuel trains is underway as countries invest heavily in electrifying rail networks around the world and deploying battery-powered trains like the FLXDrive, Blues and Flirt Akku. The most recent example comes from Stadler Rail AG, which previously set a Guinness World Record in 2021 for the longest battery-powered journey on a single charge, covering 224 km (140 miles) between Berlin and Warnemünde during the local winter. That’s not bad for a train designed to travel 80 km (50 miles) on a single charge.
Not all rail networks can support electrification, and the range of batteries is not enough to transport passengers and freight over long distances. This makes hydrogen fuel cells the perfect choice, allowing extended travel distances while emitting only steam and water.
Stadler first presented the Flirt H2 passenger train at the InnoTrans 2022 event in Berlin, and has begun testing in Switzerland. The train is designed to replace diesel trains on non-electrified or partially electrified rail networks. It uses two motorized locomotives with hydrogen tanks and fuel cells in the middle. The fuel cells charge the train's batteries, which power the electric motors.
Originally built for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority in California, the San Bernardino had a top speed of 79 mph and a range of 280 miles with a refueling stop. However, that range was broken at the ENSCO test track in Pueblo, Colorado, putting Stadler back in the record books.
On the evening of March 20, the Flirt H2 began its first run on the track. Engineers then took turns at the controls for more than 46 hours, stopping the train at 2,803 km/h on a single tank of hydrogen, New Atlas reported on March 27. This is the world record for the longest distance a hydrogen-powered passenger train has traveled without refueling or recharging. According to Ansgar Brockmeyer, a representative of Stadler, the new record sets the ideal range for the hydrogen version of the Flirt H2.
In addition to the confirmed order in California, Stadler revealed that two Italian rail operators have signed contracts to supply 15 hydrogen-powered trains with them.
An Khang (According to New Atlas )
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