China launches the world’s fastest hydrogen train

This urban hydrogen train developed and launched in China reaches a record speed of 160 km/h and has a long range.

In rail technologies, hydrogen remains marginal. Indeed, trains heavily rely on electric power, via catenaries, but many diesel locomotives still need to be converted. To avoid a large investment in electric infrastructure, hydrogen is more competitive because it stores energy onboard. Still conventional, these hydrogen trains will quickly evolve, as demonstrated by a new Chinese model.

1,032 km of range with a new battery

The national company CRRC unveiled a new hydrogen train through its subsidiaries CRRC Changchun and Chengdu Railway. The event took place on December 28, 2022, in China. Named Fuxing, it is designed as a high-speed train, with a streamlined nose for less air resistance. 

Indeed, this train could reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h. It surpasses its German competitor Alstom iLint operating since September 2022 (140 km/h). It is thus the fastest hydrogen train in the world. It outpaces – or will outpace – the Siemens Mireo Plus H, which aimed for 160 km/h by 2024.

A range of 600 km

Fast, the Chinese Fuxing outperforms its German rivals in terms of range. CRRC Changchun announces 600 kilometers per full hydrogen tank, enough to power the four train cars, with a capacity of 1,500 passengers. The Alstom iLint is the best in its field, promising 1,000 kilometers, while Siemens claims an 800-kilometer range.

Read also: OUIgo trains, a special 48-hour offer to travel cheaper in January