The Coradia iLint, the world’s first passenger train powered by a hydrogen fuel cell that produces electrical power for traction, came into service on Sunday, French rail transport international company Alstom announced Monday.
According to Alstom's statement, the train emits only steam and condensed water and low-level noise, making it a zero-emissions transport mode.
'The Coradia iLint trains will be operated on nearly 100 kilometers of line running between Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervorde and Buxtehude, replacing Germany's bus and train line EVB’s [German railway and bus company] existing diesel fleet,' the company said, adding that Alstom and EVB will jointly operate the train.
'The iLint is special for its combination of different innovative elements: clean energy conversion, flexible energy storage in batteries, and smart management of traction power and available energy,' the statement read.
Additionally, specifically designed for operation on non-electrified lines, it enables clean, sustainable train operation while ensuring high levels of performance.
The train can travel up to 140 kilometers per hour.
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr