European manufacturer designs first hydrogen-powered train

The first hydrogen-powered train turns hydrogen and oxygen into electricity to power speeds of up to 140 kilometres per hour.

As environmental awareness becomes much more prevalent among consumers, we have seen a rise in eco-friendly transport innovations. For example, the Chinese startup BYTON has designed an electric SUV with smart technology. The SUV will not only have lower emissions, but also have facial recognition and hand gesture control features. We have also seen the invention of an electric-powered flying car.  Now a European company Alstom has taken this a step further with their creation of the world’s first hydrogen powered train.

Plans for the train began at InnoTrans 2016, and two years later it is ready for commercial use. The Coradia iLint is free of carbon dioxide emissions and will only emit steam and condensed water. The trains are currently serving passengers travelling between the German cities Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervörde and Buxtehude. The train can travel at up to 140 kilometres per hour and has low noise levels. The train works by converting oxygen and hydrogen into electricity, and is a good alternative to diesel trains, specifically on non-electrified lines. Moreover, the train can travel for up to one thousand kilometres on just one tank of hydrogen.