Alstom to develop a new emission-free train for passengers in Germany

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Alstom signed Letter of Intents with Landers of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and the Public Transportation Authorities of Hesse, for the use of a new generation of emission-free train equipped with fuel cell drive. The German Federal Ministry of Transportation intends to support the development of the train. Two prototypes will be tested in 2018.

This new train will be equipped with fuel cell drive a device that converts the energy from a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction. This technology has already been proven on the automotive industry.

The new train will be based on Alstom Coradia regional train. It will be completely emission-free and its noise level will be drastically reduced. Furthermore, through the use of energy storage, as well as intelligent energy management system and a cost competitive fuel, the new train will consume less energy compared with a conventional diesel multiple unit.

This new generation of train with fuel cell technology is the first in the world for passenger transportation. In times of increasing costs for energy and higher level of pollution, the development of a completely emission-free train is key. We are proud that prominent partners are supporting and sharing our vision of the railway transportation of the future says Henri Poupart-Lafarge, President of Alstom Transport.

The new trains will be developed and manufactured at Alstom Salzgitter site in Germany, the competence centre for regional trains.