Stadler Rail’s Hydrogen-Powered Passenger Train Sets New World Record: 2,803 km in Nearly Two Days

A passenger train manufactured by Stadler Rail set a new Guinness World Record by running continuously for nearly two days, covering a distance of 2,803 km. The Swiss train broke the previous record of 2,736 km, highlighting the potential of hydrogen fuel cells in the transportation industry. Efforts to replace fossil fuel trains with alternative energy sources are gaining momentum, with countries investing in electrifying rail networks and deploying battery-powered trains such as the FLXDrive, Blues, and Flirt Akku.

One of the leading companies in this movement is Stadler Rail AG, which previously set a Guinness World Record for the longest battery-powered journey on a single charge. The record covered 224 km on a route between Berlin and Warnemünde, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions. For rail networks that cannot be fully electrified, hydrogen fuel cells offer a viable alternative that extends travel distances while only emitting steam and water.

Stadler introduced the Flirt H2 passenger train version at the 2022 InnoTrans event in Berlin, focusing on replacing diesel trains on partially or non-electrified rail networks. This innovative train design includes two motorized tractors with a hydrogen tank and fuel cell in the middle, providing power to the electric motor through the fuel cell and onboard battery pack. With a top speed of 127 km/h and a range of 460 km per fuel stop, the Flirt H2 broke its range specification record at the ENSCO test track in Colorado during its first run.

During its first run, which lasted over 46 hours without refueling, the Flirt H2 train covered an impressive distance of 2,803 km while setting a new world record for hydrogen-powered passenger trains. This milestone highlights the potential of hydrogen fuel cells in extending travel ranges and reducing reliance on fossil fuels in the transportation sector. Stadler has secured orders for hydrogen-powered trains in California and Italy, signaling a growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions worldwide.