Coradia iLint passenger train made its first journey in Sweden on the Östersund rail network, being presented to a variety of local stakeholders, including regional operators, transport authorities, government decision makers and leading media.
The presentation of the hydrogen train highlights the potential of the Coradia iLint to develop the sustainable transport in Sweden.
“The Coradia iLint trains represent a huge opportunity for Sweden to reduce CO2 emissions and even decarbonise rail transport. Thanks to hydrogen-powered public transport, regional operators can be beacons of modern mobility, as experienced recently in Germany, the Netherlands and Austria – that have tested and are implementing (or planning to implement) hydrogen trains,” Rob Whyte CEO Alstom Nordics said.
The world’s first hydrogen train was unveiled in 2016 and represents a true alternative to diesel power. Replacing one diesel regional train with one hydrogen train will reduce the yearly CO2 emission equivalent to 400 cars. Despite many electrification projects in several European countries, a significant proportion of the continent’s rail networks will remain non-electrified for the foreseeable future. Coradia iLint uses the existing infrastructure without the need to invest in electrification.
The first two 100% H2 iLint trains entered commercial service in 2018 in Germany and have already covered more than 100 000 km. To date, 41 trainsets have been ordered in Germany, and successful trials have taken place in Austria and in the Netherlands. In Italy, the operator FNM confirmed an order for 14 100% H2 trains at the end of 2020. In June, the train started tests in Poland at the Polish Railway Research Institute in Żmigród.
The Coradia iLint passenger train emits low levels of noise, with exhaust being only steam and condensed water. Its performance matches with regular regional trains with a maximum speed of 140 km/h and comparable acceleration and braking performance. Likewise, passenger capacity is up to 300 passengers and the train has a range of 1,000 km.
The innovative hydrogen technologies implemented by Alstom have been recognised by the industry. In 2021, world’s first hydrogen train Coradia iLint was honoured with the European Railway Award 2021. Alstom are also doing this to demonstrate that hydrogen is a possible climate friendly solution for trains in general, not just the iLint.
Share on:
