After a successful trial operation in Germany, the Coradia iLint will carry passengers for the Austrian Federal Railways. Credit: © Alstom.

Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has launched a three-month-long passenger trial of a hydrogen train as it seeks to explore technological alternatives to reduce transport emissions.

In the passenger trial, the company is using Alstom-built Coradia iLint, which runs on a hydrogen fuel cell.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

ÖBB is expected to test the vehicle on regional railway lines in the southern part of Austria to assess its effectiveness as a potential replacement of diesel trains.

ÖBB-Holding CEO Andreas Matthä said: “We clearly see ourselves as pioneers in testing hydrogen technology on rail. As the largest climate protection company in Austria, we are actively shaping the mobility of the future with technological alternatives.”

This comes after Coradia iLint underwent test operations in northern Germany between 2018 and this year.

The Coradia iLint uses onboard fuel cells to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. Designed specifically for use on non-electrified lines, the emission-free train only discharges steam and water.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Alstom Germany and Austria CEO Dr Jörg Nikutta said: “With its use in regular passenger operations for ÖBB, our innovation train Coradia iLint has reached the next milestone.

“The train’s emission-free drive technology offers a climate-friendly alternative to conventional diesel trains, especially on non-electrified lines.

“I am particularly pleased that ÖBB, a strong and long-term partner in the European mobility market, is convinced of our technology and its advantages.”

Overall, Alstom sold 41 of these hydrogen-powered trains in Germany. Several other countries have also expressed interest in this emission-free technology.

Earlier this year, Alstom carried out tests of the Coradia iLint train on the 65km line in the Netherlands.