Inspenet, July 21, 2023.
The historic journey of the Coradia iLint hydrogen train, Canada’s first green train, marks a milestone in North America. One hundred passengers enjoy the 90 km journey, the first of its kind on the continent, following the spectacular railway network of the Réseau de Charlevoix, from Parc de la Chute-Montmorency in Quebec to Baie St-Paul, passing through the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This exciting three-month pilot project in Canada is being carried out by Alstom, the Government of Quebec, Chemin de fer Charlevoix, Train de Charlevoix, Harnois Énergies, HTEC and Accelera by Cummins. Together, they are driving the commercial operation of the hydrogen train , which promises to open the doors to an ecosystem of hydrogen propulsion technology and its potential in the North American market.
Coradia iLint: Canada’s Green Train
The Coradia iLint train, powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, stands out for its ecological and silent approach. Emitting only water vapor during operation, it provides a quieter experience for passengers and the environment near the tracks. With a maximum speed of 140 km/h and a performance similar to that of standard diesel regional trains, but with no noise or emissions , it represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
The innovative design combines clean energy conversion, flexible battery energy storage, smart drive and efficient energy management. It is especially suitable for non-electrified lines, allowing safe, clean and sustainable operations. An impressive achievement was reached in September 2022, when a test train covered 1,175 kilometers without the need to refuel.
The beginning of the Coradia iLint
Since its introduction in Germany in 2018, the Coradia iLint has driven over 220,000 km in eight European countries , proving its success and acceptance. With 41 trains of this type already ordered by European customers, their presence continues to grow on the rail landscape.
“We are very proud to see our Coradia iLint hydrogen train on board and carry its first North American passengers here in Quebec. Alstom is fully committed to the decarbonisation of mobility in the world and particularly in America. Hydrogen technology offers an alternative to diesel and demonstrates our ability to offer more sustainable mobility solutions to our clients, agencies and operators, as well as passengers.” said Michael Keroullé, president of Alstom Americas.
Source and photo: https://ecoinventos.com/primer-tren-de-hidrogeno-cero-emisiones-de-america-del-norte-canada/