The Coradia iLint hydrogen train, which is already in use in Germany, is putting its network in the Centre-Val de Loire region through its paces.
Alstom’s Coradia iLint hydrogen train conducts its first test in actual conditions in France. A train with a 120 passenger capacity has been operating on the Centre-Val de Loire regional network since Wednesday, providing the link between Tours and Loches. a part of the network without electricity. The area has allocated 300,000 euros to support these trials. They represent the beginning of a testing program that should result in the certification of these trains and their entry into general use within four to five years.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand Est, and Occitanie are four French regions that are prepared to green their daily public transportation. For 190 million euros, SNCF ordered 12 Regiolis hybrid electric/hydrogen TER trains from Alstom on their behalf in April 2022. Starting in 2023, these trains with a 600 km range on non-electrified routes should be in service. And after passing tests, they’ll start taking on passengers between the end of 2024 and the start of 2025.
