California Orders 29 Hydrogen Fuel Cells Trains for Intercity Services

https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/in ... -services/

"The contract includes options for 25 more trainsets, which would replace existing diesel locomotive-operated operating push-pull sets used for state-funded Amtrak California services."

Stadler finally gets a major foothold in the US. Good for them.

It's an interesting development. But isn't this still a hypothetical? Have they actually run on a hydrogen fuel cell yet?

Alstom Coradia iLint trains have been in revenue service with Hydrogen fuel cells since September 2018 in Germany.

Notice what these units will replace. On another Amtrak forum, a knowledgeable poster stated the relatively new Siemens cars (really a stop gap) will be replaced by these Stadler Hydrogen units. It says so in the above article. Not a long shelf life but I am sure the Siemens coaches will find new homes easily.

It says that these will replace "push-pull trains" which I take to be the California Car and Surfliner Cars, and that they will supplement the Siemens cars being delivered now. It also looks like the FLIRT trainsets can be rated for up to 125mph, hopefully these can then take advantage of some of the infrastructure upgrades California is doing.

Hydrogen fuel cells? But I read recently that producing hydrogen involves burning more fossil fuel than it would take to run the train directly on fossil fuel. It's an inefficient technology; why is California doing this?

KTHW wrote: ↑Tue Oct 04, 2022 10:52 am It says that these will replace "push-pull trains" which I take to be the California Car and Surfliner Cars, and that they will supplement the Siemens cars being delivered now. It also looks like the FLIRT trainsets can be rated for up to 125mph, hopefully these can then take advantage of some of the infrastructure upgrades California is doing.

The FLIRTS do not have the capacity to replace 8 to 9 car bilevel consists. The San Joaquin run smaller consists that can be replaced with single FLIRTS.

Mod Note: shadow topics placed into Stadler and Califorina Commuter forums as well.

charlesriverbranch wrote: ↑Tue Oct 04, 2022 11:24 am Hydrogen fuel cells? But I read recently that producing hydrogen involves burning more fossil fuel than it would take to run the train directly on fossil fuel. It's an inefficient technology; why is California doing this?

That is correct for much/most of current production of hydrogen in the USA. However, there are several environmentally benign means planned to be used, including solar concentration heat, and electrolysis using electricity produced from solar, wind and small modular nuclear reactors.

https://www.stadlerrail.com/media/pdf/2 ... 0h2_en.pdf

This order may be for San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA).

from Stadler, dated 19 September 2022 at InnoTrans:

Stadler and San Bernardino County Transit Authority (SBCTA) are presenting Stadler’s fist hydrogen FLIRT at InnoTrans. The FLIRT H2 for SBCTA is Stadler’s newest addition to its alternative drive portfolio. It will start operations in California in 2024 as the first hydrogen train in American passenger transport.

The release doesn't specify the number of units ordered, but everything else seems to match. Shall we call this train an H2MU?

https://www.gosbcta.com/sbcta-and-stadl ... red-train/

ZEMU will be the name for these trains (Zero-Emissions Multiple Unit). The first deliveries will be to SBCTA for the Arrow line. The options are likely reserved for other SoCal commuter operations.

The original article states the first of these are to operate between Merced and Sacramento beginning in 2027. That seems to indicate they expect these to operate a new service connecting to the HSR that replaces the San Joaquin to Sacramento.

OOPS

have to wonder the availability of Hydrogen. NWS has been made to cancel some weather ballon launches. They use Hydrogen. helium even shorter. No birthday ballons for almost 3 weeks here.

Vincent wrote: ↑Tue Oct 04, 2022 7:11 pm https://www.gosbcta.com/sbcta-and-stadl ... red-train/

ZEMU will be the name for these trains (Zero-Emissions Multiple Unit). The first deliveries will be to SBCTA for the Arrow line. The options are likely reserved for other SoCal commuter operations.

ZEMU? sounds like a Power Rangers character.

Do they have restroom facilities? Kinda needed for intercity service. (unless you are SEPTA)