First Hydrogen Train in the USA Set to Launch in 2024

The first hydrogen train in the USA will soon enter service, marking a new chapter in the history of environmentally friendly passenger transport, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is preparing to launch the FLIRT H2 train from Stadler on the San Bernardino–Redlands route, a suburb of Los Angeles, by the end of 2024.

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This summer, the train was delivered for final testing, which is the last step before entering operation.

It was previously planned that the train would start running in the fall of 2024.

The FLIRT H2 train runs on hydrogen fuel cells and can operate without refueling for up to 46 hours on the 15.3 km route.

Its configuration includes three cars, with the central car equipped with fuel cells and liquid hydrogen tanks. These cells convert hydrogen into electrical energy, which powers the battery, ensuring the train’s movement and equipment operation.

The train model is designed for 108 passengers and reaches speeds of up to 130 km/h. Its regenerative braking system allows energy recovery, making the operation more efficient.

In March 2024, the FLIRT H2 set a record, entering the Guinness World Records after completing 1,742 miles (about 2,794 km) without refueling on a test track in Colorado.

The project began in 2019 when Stadler signed a contract with SBCTA to develop and deliver the first hydrogen train.

In September 2022, Stadler signed a memorandum with California transport agencies for further deliveries of up to 25 FLIRT H2 trains, highlighting the region’s commitment to environmentally friendly transport development.

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