ÖBB Tests the New Hydrogen Train During its First Ever Passenger Service

Alternative drive technologies are the only way to the climate-friendly mobility of the future. This is why ÖBB is taking part in the world’s first hydrogen train project and is testing a hydrogen multiple-unit train made by Alstom in regular passenger service.

The train must prove its worth in particular on secondary lines that are not intended for electrification. The hydrogen train will start operating in southern parts of Lower Austria on 12th September on the inner and outer Aspangbahn railway line as well as on the line between Wiener Neustadt and Puchberg or Gutenstein. The test phase is scheduled to run until at least the end of November 2020.

Passengers will benefit not only from safe but also from clean technology during the trial operation: In contrast to a diesel multiple-unit train, the hydrogen train produces no local CO₂ emissions when operated. Furthermore, the hydrogen train is significantly quieter in operation than the diesel multiple-unit trains that normally run on the lines. In the trial operation alone, around 60 tonnes of CO₂ can be saved.

Tried and tested on geographically demanding routes

Up to now, hydrogen trains have mainly been used on flat routes in Northern Germany and the Netherlands. By testing on geographically demanding, alpine routes in the southern parts of Lower Austria, the hydrogen train is now being put through its paces for the first time.