Alstom launches hydrogen train for the first time in Sweden

Ostersund, Sweden (Urban Transport News): Alstom's Coradia iLint passenger train, the first in the world to be powered by hydrogen, makes its Swedish debut in Östersund in the last week. Alstom teams are presenting the train to a variety of local stakeholders, including regional operators, transport authorities, government decision-makers and leading media, to highlight the potential of the Coradia iLint for 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,” said Rob Whyte, CEO Alstom Nordics.

In 2016, the launch of the Coradia iLint, a CO2-emission-free regional train that represents a true alternative to diesel power, positioned Alstom as the first railway manufacturers in the world to develop a passenger train based on hydrogen technology. 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 line with its aim to facilitate a global transition to a low-carbon transport system, Alstom has pioneered several sustainable mobility solutions. The Coradia iLint is a perfect illustration of Alstom’s commitment to designing and delivering innovative and environmentally friendly solutions: the Coradia iLint is the world’s first passenger train powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which produces electrical power for traction. This zero-emission 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 kilometres.

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.