The FCH2RAIL (Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Pack for Rail Applications) project has successfully developed, demonstrated, and certified a Fuel Cell-electric hybrid train prototype.
Currently, only about half of the EU’s railway network is electrified; the remaining lines rely on diesel traction.
The FCH2RAIL prototype offers a zero-emission alternative, integrating a bi-modal drive system that operates either on electricity (from overhead lines) or hydrogen-powered hybrid modules when no overhead supply is available.
During testing, the train:
- Completed over 10,000 km in hydrogen mode and 6,000 km in electric mode,
- Operated successfully on public railway lines across Spain and Portugal,
- Demonstrated competitive performance and environmental advantages over conventional diesel trains.
The project marks a significant step toward decarbonizing European rail transport, proving that hydrogen hybrid systems can provide a practical and sustainable replacement for diesel engines on non-electrified routes.
🔗 Project News: FCH2RAIL Project Successfully Completed
Press Articles:
🔗 The FCH2RAIL Project Has Been Successfully Completed – RailwayPro
🔗 The First Hydrogen Train Carried Out Tests on the Portuguese Railway Network – FCH2RAIL.eu
🔗 The First Hydrogen-Powered Train Has Been Tested on the Spanish and Portuguese Railway Network – DLR
🔗 Successful Completion of the FCH2RAIL Project – CAF Mobility