China: The fastest hydrogen train

CRRC is introducing a cutting-edge hydrogen-powered train that boasts zero emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere. This state-of-the-art model is also outfitted with supercapacitors. Remarkably, it holds the title as the fastest hydrogen-powered train, showcasing its impressive speed capabilities.

Furthermore, the train is outfitted with intelligent driving features, leveraging communication through the 5G network. Notably, it has autonomous capabilities, allowing it to operate independently.

The first passenger train powered by hydrogen

The train described represents China’s pioneering venture into hydrogen propulsion for passenger trains, jointly developed by state-owned CRRC and Chengdu Rail Transit.

The manufacturer asserts that the train’s impressive range enables it to travel approximately 600 km on a single refueling. Moreover, its design, featuring a four-unit train set, accommodates up to 1,502 passengers, including seating and standing areas.

Following its official production launch in Chengdu, located in Sichuan Province in southwestern China, the train is slated to serve as a vital link for agglomeration connections.

How fast can a hydrogen train reach?

The CRRC train boasts remarkable speeds, reaching record velocities of up to 160 km/h. As a result, it currently holds the title as the fastest hydrogen-powered train, not only in China but also globally. No similar vehicle exists worldwide that can surpass its speed capabilities.

Autonomous driving and a range of smart features, including 5G

According to the manufacturer, the train is capable of autonomous operation, meaning it can navigate without human intervention. It is also integrated with a 5G network, facilitating communication with the vehicle. Furthermore, the train features intelligent driving functionalities, including automatic start, stop, and the ability to independently return to the depot.

Moreover, the lighting system is equipped with automatic adjustment capabilities for brightness and color temperature, adapting to external conditions outside the train.

Supercapacitors provide high power

The Chinese manufacturer CRRC highlights that its latest hydrogen train is outfitted with both fuel cells and supercapacitors. While fuel cells provide sustained power, supercapacitors offer the advantage of delivering high power rapidly when needed, which fuel cells might struggle with. Supercapacitors also facilitate gradual charging by fuel cells and store energy from braking, particularly advantageous during uphill climbs and for optimizing energy usage.

The hydrogen train is environmentally friendly

CRRC states that its hydrogen train emits only water vapor, leading to a potential annual reduction of up to 10,000 kilograms of CO2 compared to a traditional combustion train. This represents a significant and commendable environmental improvement.

Such initiatives align with broader efforts in China, where the government actively promotes investments in renewable energy sources as part of its energy policy. Consequently, China has been prioritizing the advancement of hydrogen technologies and intends to implement hydrogen vehicles on a large scale in the near future.

Hydrogen train from China – is it really the best?

Indeed, when considering the significance of the new hydrogen train from CRRC in China, it’s important to contextualize its achievements. While it holds the record for the highest speed among hydrogen trains globally, it’s not the first or only hydrogen train in existence. Additionally, China may not currently lead the green transition in this specific area, although this could change in the future.

As of now, Germany takes the lead, having already deployed 14 Alstom Coradia iLint train sets powered by hydrogen since 2022. While these trains have a slightly lower maximum speed of around 140 km/h, they offer a significantly greater range of approximately 1000 km. On the other hand, the train developed by the Chinese manufacturer can reach a higher speed of approximately 160 km/h, albeit with a smaller range of about 600 km.

In summary, both the Alstom and CRRC hydrogen trains showcase distinct features, making it challenging to determine a clear favorite. Alstom’s train excels in range, surpassing the new CRRC train, while the CRRC train outpaces it in speed. Nonetheless, both trains share the commendable trait of enabling emission-free travel. Consequently, the introduction of both vehicles represents a significant stride toward achieving emission-free transportation.

Sources:

China launches 100-mph hydrogen/supercapacitor train, newatlas.com

Hydrogen train from CRRC,reportkolejowy.pl

CRRC presented its first hydrogen passenger train, www.nakolei.pl

The Chinese hydrogen-supercapacitor train will travel at 160 km/h, mobirank.pl

China launches the world’s fastest hydrogen train, www.rynek-kolejowy.pl

The fastest hydrogen train in the world has hit the tracks. Emission-free 160 km/h, geekweek.interia.pl

GLOBALink | China’s hydrogen-energy urban train rolls off assembly line, New China TV, www.youtube.com