All aboard the future: Stadler's hydrogen-powered revolution
With the delivery of the first hydrogen trains to the United States, Stadler is not only building more trains for America, known as being a car country, but is also initiating a trend reversal in the almost entirely diesel fueled American rail transport.
Picture this: a sleek, modern train gliding effortlessly through the Californian desert landscape, emitting nothing but pure water vapor. This isn't a scene from a futuristic movie – it's the groundbreaking reality being brought to life by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and Stadler. In a bold move toward a sustainable future, SBCTA has commissioned the first approved hydrogen-powered train by FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) in American passenger transport, the FLIRT H2, set to debut in 2025.
Nowhere is the gap between the billions in private investment in the digital future and the marginal public funding for the railways more drastic than in California. However, change is inevitable: starting in 2030, California – and many other states – plan to drastically reduce and even eliminate carbon emissions from transit. This can only be achieved with considerable investment in the electrification of the rail network and with new rolling stock. Currently, less than one percent of rail lines in the United States are equipped with overhead electrification. Almost all rail transport is diesel-powered.
A visionary step
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) in California has embraced the future with a visionary step toward decarbonizing its rail transport by ordering the first hydrogen-powered train from Stadler, the FLIRT H2, in 2019. This groundbreaking model is the newest addition to Stadler’s innovative portfolio of alternative drive systems, showcasing their commitment to sustainable and forward-thinking transportation solutions.
Following its initial presentation in 2022, the first hydrogen train in American passenger transport is scheduled to be put into service in California in 2025.
Following SBCTA's pioneering order of the FLIRT H2, Caltrans, another major transit provider in California, has also embraced hydrogen trains for their services. This progressive move positions California as a leader in zero-emission rail transport.
The first FLIRT H2 for SBCTA consists of two electrically-powered end cars and a modular “Powerpack” in the center. This “Powerpack” contains the fuel cells and hydrogen tanks. The fuel cells convert the hydrogen into electricity. This current is passed on to a drive battery. The battery supplies the vehicle’s drives with the power they need. This configuration also allows energy to be recovered during braking. Thanks to this drive solution, the FLIRT H2 can operate all day without refueling. The train provides seats for 108 passengers and has additional standing room. The vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 130 km/h. The train is also designed for operation at high ambient temperatures of up to 49 degrees Celsius.
High international demand
Other countries are also opting for Stadler’s hydrogen trains for their decarbonisation efforts. The Italian railway operators Ferrovie della Calabria (FdC) and Azienda Regionale Sarda Trasporti (ARST) each ordered six new hydrogen trains for narrow gauge tracks. This makes Stadler the first train manufacturer in the world to produce narrow-gauge hydrogen trains. Both operators have since exercised an option for three more vehicles, meaning that Stadler will supply a total of 18 vehicles for the Italian narrow-gauge market.