Accelera by Cummins has propelled North America’s inaugural hydrogen-powered passenger train into operation. The landmark achievement, achieved in collaboration with global mobility leader Alstom, underlines the growing momentum behind clean urban transit solutions.
The train, known as the Coradia iLint, has been designed and manufactured by Alstom, a renowned proponent of green and smart mobility technologies. Commencing its service on June 17, 2023, in Canada, the Coradia iLint represents Alstom’s demonstrative effort to develop and promote hydrogen propulsion technology within the North American market. The train’s operation extends throughout the entire summer season on the Train de Charlevoix railway, traversing the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Quebec’s Charlevoix region.
A pivotal facet of this project lies in the integration of Accelera fuel cells, a technological marvel driving the train’s clean energy conversion. Positioned atop the train, these fuel cells play a vital role in transforming hydrogen into electricity, thereby fueling the train’s journey. The green hydrogen essential to power Alstom’s Coradia iLint is harnessed through the Accelera HySTAT®-100-10 electrolyzer, which is situated in Quebec and managed by project partner Harnois Énergies.
Alison Trueblood, General Manager of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies at Accelera, emphasized the collaborative aspect of this endeavor: “Together with our visionary partners, we are reshaping the way people travel and inspiring a future where efficiency, sustainability, and innovation go hand in hand. By leveraging the capabilities of hydrogen-powered technology, we are driving innovation – providing zero-emission solutions for the urban mobility challenges that today’s congested cities face.”
The Coradia iLint train is set to remain operational for passenger rides until the end of September 2023. This pioneering effort signifies not only a triumph in clean urban transit but also a substantial stride toward redefining the trajectory of transportation with sustainable and efficient alternatives.
