Alstom is planning to develop an ’emission-free’ battery train prototype by 2018.
The French manufacturer has signed a letter of intent with several German states to design and build two prototype units equipped with the same fuel cell drive technology that is found in electric cars.
Based on the Coradia regional train platform, the emission-free train will consume less energy than a typical diesel-multiple unit (DMU) through the use of an ‘intelligent energy management system.’
Alstom said it will develop the prototype vehicles at its Salzgitter site in Germany.
Henri Poupart-Lafarge, president of Alstom Transport, said: “This new generation of train with fuel cell technology is the first in the world for passenger transportation.
“In times of increasing costs for energy and higher level of pollution, the development of a completely emission-free train is key. We are proud that prominent partners are supporting and sharing our vision of the railway transportation of the future.”
