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Alstom Coradia iLint – the world's 1st hydrogen powered train
Towards clean and future-oriented mobility
It was at InnoTrans 2016 in Berlin that Alstom presented the Coradia iLint™ for the first time. The launch of the CO2-emission-free regional train that represents a true alternative to diesel power positioned us as the first railway manufacturers in the world to develop a passenger train based on hydrogen technology. And just two years later, at 2018, the iLint™ entered into commercial service in Germany.
In line with our 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 for our 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. 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. Specifically designed to non- or partially electrified lines, it enables clean, sustainable train operation while ensuring high levels of performance.
The iLint™ was designed by Alstom teams in Salzgitter (Germany), our centre of excellence for regional trains, and in Tarbes (France), centre of excellence for traction systems. The project benefits from the support of the German Ministry of Economy and Mobility and the development of the Coradia iLint™ was funded by the German government as part of the National Innovation Program for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NIP).
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How does a fuel cell work?
The hydrogen fuel cell produces electrical power for traction. The fuel cell supplies electrical energy by combining hydrogen, which is stored in tanks on board, and oxygen from the outside air. Only water vapour and condensation water are removed.
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Hydrogen powered mobility
While hydrogen technology might appear complicated, it works in a simple way. Hydrogen is not used directly for propulsion. Instead, the hydrogen is fed into a fuel cell that produces electric energy to run the train.
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What do hydrogen trains emit?
Hydrogen powered trains are 100% CO2 emission-free and the only exhaust is water. The generated heat is used for air conditioning.
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World's first hydrogen filling station for passenger trains
In Bremervörde, Germany, the world‘s first hydrogen filling station for passenger trains, built in cooperation with LINDE, is in operation. From summer 2022, 14 hydrogen-powered regional trains supplied by Alstom will be refuelled there daily and around the clock if necessary.
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> 200.000 km
From 2018 to 2022, our Coradia iLint traveled more than 200.000 km. This is the equivalent of 5 times around the globe in passenger service using only hydrogen power. Regular commercial service started in summer 2022, and is continuing to increase mileage.
