In a landmark achievement for sustainable rail transport, Stadler's hydrogen-powered train, the FLIRT H2, has clinched a Guinness World Records title for the longest distance travelled by a hydrogen fuel cell electric multiple unit (EMU) passenger train without the need for refueling or recharging. The FLIRT H2 covered an impressive distance of 1,741.7 miles (2,803 kilometers), marking a significant milestone in the advancement of clean energy solutions in the rail industry.
The record-setting journey began on the evening of March 20, 2024, at the ENSCO test center in Pueblo, Colorado, concluding after more than 46 hours of continuous operation. This achievement underscores Stadler's commitment to innovation and its pioneering role in developing alternative propulsion systems for trains, aiming to reduce environmental impact and foster zero-emission travel.
First introduced to the public at InnoTrans 2022 in Berlin, the FLIRT H2 incorporates advanced solutions to seamlessly integrate hydrogen fuel cells and storage systems into Stadler's popular FLIRT commuter train line. Following rigorous testing in Switzerland and the United States, this world record attempt was meticulously planned and executed, demonstrating the FLIRT H2's exceptional performance and reliability.
Dr. Ansgar Brockmeyer, EVP of Marketing and Sales at Stadler, and Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler US Inc., both expressed their pride in this achievement and emphasized the company's focus on future rail transportation technologies. They highlighted the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source, contributing to environmental protection and sustainable travel.
This record marks Stadler's second Guinness World Records title for trains with alternative propulsion, following the success of the battery-powered FLIRT Akku in 2021. The FLIRT H2's success has garnered international interest, with further orders for hydrogen-powered FLIRT units in California and contracts for narrow-gauge hydrogen trains in Italy, confirming Stadler's leadership in sustainable public transportation solutions.Source: https://www.stadlerrail.com/en/media/article/stadler%E2%80%99s-hydrogen-powered-train-flirt-h2-achieves-a-new-guinness-world-records-title/1656/
