FLIRT H₂: A clean future on the tracks

Non-electrified railway lines were previously operated using diesel vehicles. Since retrofitting overhead contact lines and substations requires large investment budgets and time, Stadler has developed zero-emission drives as an alternative. One example is the FLIRT H₂ vehicle, which runs on an electric drive with hydrogen fuel cells as the energy source. This enables the FLIRT H₂ model to replace diesel trains on medium length, non-electrified or partially electrified lines for emission-free passenger transport.

Stadler sold the first FLIRT H₂ vehicle in the United States in 2019, delivering the first hydrogen-powered train for American passenger rail transport.

The vehicle concept is largely based on the well-proven Stadler bestseller, the electric multiple-unit train FLIRT. The FLIRT H₂ train is a single-level, lightweight aluminium model that can be built in two- to four-car configurations. Just like the traditional FLIRT train, the series-produced FLIRT H₂ model can be flexibly and individually adapted to the needs of each customer and route network. The FLIRT H₂ vehicle is optionally available with pantographs and a transformer so that it can also be operated under an overhead contact line.

The FLIRT H₂ vehicle is an electric multiple unit with hydrogen fuel cells where hydrogen is converted into electricity. This electricity serves several functions including powering the train, charging the lithium-ion traction batteries and feeding the HVAC system on board. The train accelerates and brakes using electric energy alone, and kinetic energy is stored in the batteries during braking.

Green hydrogen is produced from water by electrolysis, allowing surplus renewable electricity to be stored chemically. This hydrogen is kept in tanks on the train, making it possible to cover long distances without recharging the batteries through external charging. State-of-the-art hydrogen technology can thereby replace diesel-powered trains on medium length sections of track. While the battery-powered FLIRT is ideal for shorter non-electrified routes, the FLIRT H2 is capable of traveling longer distances thanks to the hydrogen technology on board, which extends the range of its batteries.

Many countries have a rail network without overhead contact lines and are forced to use diesel trains for rail operations. In the United States, for example, only one percent of the rail network is electrified. The FLIRT H₂ vehicle was developed to enable rail operators to run sustainable rail operations and can replace diesel vehicles on routes without overhead contact lines.