Has same performance as diesel train, without polluting emissions
As the worldwide fervour for electric vehicles is reportedly on the wane, news this week in Portugal is that a hydrogen powered train is to be tested on the northern Minho line.
According to Portugal’s infrastructure manager, Infraestruturas de Portugal, the prototype aims to achieve the same performance as a diesel vehicle, but without polluting emissions.
An official source has told Lusa that running being carried out this week “are being promoted as part of the European project FCH2RAIL (Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Pack for Rail Applications), which aims to develop a hydrogen-powered rail prototype vehicle, with funding from European funds through the H2020 – CLEANH2 programme”.
“The project covers the design and construction of an innovative prototype vehicle and carrying out of the necessary tests for its validation and approval,” said the source.
“The aim is to achieve a vehicle with zero emissions and operational performance competitive with current diesel-powered trains, both in new and rehabilitated vehicles”.
IP is part of a consortium of companies from four European countries (Spain, Belgium, Germany and Portugal) led by DLR and including CAF, Renfe, Toyota Motor Europe, Adif, CNH2 and Stemann.
Source material: LUSA
