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Rail innovation: German company launches world's first hydrogen- and battery-powered electric train, promising to drastically cut CO2 emissions and revolutionize sustainable transport
The german company Stadler Rail announced an innovation in the railway sector, by presenting the first electric train The world's first hydrogen- and battery-powered train. The news comes just months after the company broke the Guinness World Record with its hydrogen-powered train, the Flirt H2, which traveled 2.803 km on a single tank of fuel.
Now, the Stadler raises the bar even further with the creation of the RS Zero, a train that promises to redefine rail transport with its proposal for zero emission of CO2.
The RS Zero was designed to meet a growing demand for sustainable alternatives in the transportation sector, especially in regions where electrification of railway lines is limited. Currently, around 38% of railway lines in the Germany are not yet electrified, which makes this solution particularly attractive for rail operators who rely on branch lines and feeder lines.
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The electric train can operate on either electric or hydrogen energy, or a combination of both, adapting to different operational needs.
The legacy of the RS1 and the evolution to the RS Zero
Stadler Rail already has a distinguished track record in developing innovative trains. Since 1996, the RS1 Railbus, one of Europe’s most iconic models, has been running on the railways of Germany and the Czech Republic.
Characterized by its bold design, with trapezoidal window panels and an aesthetic reminiscent of bridge design, the RS1 was one of the first new-generation diesel trains, making a significant mark on the railway landscape. There are currently around 500 of these trains in operation.
However, many RS1s are nearing the end of their useful lives, and the transition to the RS Zero represents a crucial upgrade in terms of sustainability and technology. The new model, in addition to being zero emissions, incorporates innovations in design and operation, including the ability to switch between electric and hydrogen power, cementing it as one of the most modern electric trains.
Versatility and energy efficiency of the electric train
The RS Zero is a direct response to the needs of rail operators operating on secondary routes. Thanks to its lightweight and efficient design, it is ideal for branch lines connecting to main railway tracks, offering sustainable and cost-effective operation.
A single hydrogen-powered car can travel up to 700 km, while a dual-car configuration can reach 1.000 km. Battery-powered models, on the other hand, have a shorter range, with a single car reaching 80-100 km and a dual-car configuration reaching up to 180 km.
Additionally, the RS Zero electric train reaches a top speed of 120 km/h, providing flexibility for rail operators to choose the configuration that best suits their needs.
The possibility of switching between hydrogen and electric power also allows for more economical and sustainable operation in partially electrified regions, where the train can use overhead cables to power itself.
Comfort and accessibility
In addition to its technical performance, the RS Zero was designed with passenger comfort and accessibility in mind. With a low entry height and step-free floor, the electric train makes it easier for people with reduced mobility to board. There is also a multi-purpose area for transporting bicycles and other bulky items, in line with Stadler’s philosophy of promoting flexible use of space in the carriages. The company is known for its folding seat system, which can be adjusted to accommodate more bicycles as needed.
In terms of sustainability, the electric train maintains Stadler's environmental commitment. The interior floor is made from 98% renewable energy sources, while the side walls are made from recycled materials, including PET bottles. The train's climate control system also uses an environmentally friendly refrigerant, reinforcing the company's commitment to preserving the environment.
Innovation on display
The hydrogen-powered prototype of the RS Zero will be on display at the InnoTrans 2024 convention in Berlin later this month. This international event is renowned for bringing together the most important innovations in the rail industry, and the RS Zero will certainly be in the spotlight, standing out as one of the major milestones in the transition to more sustainable and efficient rail transport.
With this new line of electric trains, Stadler not only reaffirms its leading position in rail innovation, but also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the sector by offering a practical and viable solution for transport in non-electrified regions.
The RS Zero, with its versatility and focus on sustainability, marks an important step towards a cleaner, more efficient future for public transport.
