Stadler’s FLIRT H2 has set the Guinness World Record for the longest distance achieved by a hydrogen-powered passenger train without refuelling or recharging.
The record attempt began on the evening of 20th March 2024 at the ENSCO test centre in Pueblo, Colorado, and concluded 46 hours later, with the train completing 2803 kilometres on a single tank filling.
A team of engineers from Stadler and ENSCO drove the vehicle in shifts during the attempt.
Stadler first presented the FLIRT H2 to the public at InnoTrans 2022 in Berlin. A number of detailed solutions were developed to integrate fuel cells and hydrogen storage systems into the modern FLIRT commuter train product line.
The train’s successful record attempt was a show of the reliability and capability of these solutions, which have been thoroughly tested since the 2022 launch.
Martin Ritter, CEO Stadler US Inc., said: “Stadler is consistently focusing on the future of rail transportation with alternative drive systems by continuously developing innovative technologies.
“By using hydrogen as a clean energy source, we are actively contributing to environmental protection and shaping the sustainable and zero emission travel of tomorrow.”
The FLIRT H2 consists of two electrically powered end cars and a power pack in the middle. The power pack contains fuel cells and hydrogen tanks. The fuel cells convert the hydrogen into electricity.
This electricity is sent to a traction converter, and the battery supplies the drive of the vehicle. Brake energy is also incorporated back into the battery, meaning the battery stores both braking power and power from the hydrogen cells.
Stadler’s innovative propulsion system allows the FLIRT H2 to operate all day without refuelling.
The train offers seating for 108 passengers with further standing room and is designed to handle operation in ambient temperatures of up to 49°c. Its maximum speed is 130 kilometres per hour.
The FLIRT H2 is Stadler’s second Guinness World Record breaking train with alternative propulsion. In December 2021, the FLIRT Akku set the world record for the longest journey with a battery multiple unit in pure battery mode, covering 224 kilometres at a test in Germany.
Image credit: Stadler
