A new pair of trains have launched in Germany that run entirely off of hydrogen. The blue trains, called the Coradia iLint, were created by a French company called Alstom. They are the first of their kind and aim to launch a new global initiative to put eco-friendly initiatives first. The trains, which are bright blue, run along a route in Northern Germany that would usually be ran by a diesel fuel train. Though this is the only route with the trains right now, Alstom hopes to deliver the trains to states throughout Germany in the near future.
Alstom Hopes To Add 14 More Trains
The French company Alstom that created the trains hopes to send more hydrogen powered trains to Germany to be used in other routes. Right now, the two hydrogen-powered trains operate along a 62-mile path along Lower Saxony in Northern Germany. The company revealed that other German states have expressed an interest in adding the hydrogen-powered trains to their routes. As of right now, however, the only official expansion to the hydrogen powered trains is in Lower Saxony, where 14 more trains will be sent in the future. The expansion will cost up to 81 million Euros, which is more than a diesel train, but more cost-effective in the long run as the trains will not use fossil fuels or emit toxic fumes.
The specs of the hydrogen powered trains are just as impressive as their existence itself. The Coradia iLint can travel up to 87 miles per hour and go roughly 600 miles before needing to refuel—not far off from a diesel alternative. Other experts that work closely with the trains say that they’re a great alternative to passenger locomotives that use fossil fuels. This is because they can travel at high speeds and eliminate the carbon footprint caused by passenger travel. And, since hydrogen is far easier to make than other types of fuel, it’s easily accessible and more affordable.
Transportation Is Headed Toward A Green Future
The locomotive industry is long overdue for a low emissions alternative to the gas-fueled trains that emit a massive carbon footprint—especially throughout Europe, where trains remain one of the most popular types of travel. Where the auto industry has shifted much of its focus toward providing sustainable transportation, the train industry has largely stayed the same.
Tesla, for example, was one of the first companies to deliver a low emissions vehicle with its all-electric cars. This year, the company set a new standard with the release of the Tesla Model 3, its first ever affordable model available to the public. Since then, the company has set its own records repeatedly as sales of the Model 3 have skyrocketed.
Other auto companies have since pushed for a greener future with the arrival of other low emissions or all-electric vehicles. Chevorlet recently released the Volt, a hybrid electric car that promises both good electric and gas-powered miles. Volkswagon also announced the arrival of its first electric vehicle, the ID.3 vehicle.
