Rail, Trams and Rolling Stock
Champion zero-emission for rail
Fuel Cell Rail
Hydrogen fuel cell engines for zero-emission trains
Hydrogen fuel cells are a powerful zero-emission alternative to diesel-powered passenger trains, trams, shunting locomotives and rolling stock. Nearly any train route served by diesel trains can be served by a fuel cell powered train.
Advantages of fuel cell electric trains and rolling stock
Zero-emission Rail Operations
Zero-emission solutions for non-electrified rail lines and long, demanding freight routes
Lower OPEX and CAPEX on non-electrified tracks versus electrification.
Fuel cell modules are comparable with diesel engines with no cost for overhead catenaries.
Nearly any train route can be served by fuel cell power
High performing fuel cell modules can operate on a wide range of topographic profiles.
No requirement for overhead catenary infrastructure and power substations
Hydrogen fuel cell powered trains operate decentralized, similar to diesel engines.
Scalable to a variety of routes and applications
Fuel cell systems are used in passenger trains, trams, locomotives and shunters.
Fuel Cell Module
FCrail™ and FCwave™ for rail applications
Ballard’s fuel cells support a wide range of rail applications from trams and passenger trains to shunters and locomotives, scalable to specific route, performance and installation requirements.
FCrail™ product family FCwave™ Product Family Use our Product Finder Tool
Lower Lifecycle costs
Ballard’s fuel cell platforms offer compact, fully integrated, robust power solutions with low total life cycle cost. Low TCO is achieved through product performance optimization, fuel cell stack durability, efficiency and lower maintenance requirements.
High Reliability
Ballard’s fuel cells have been tested in real-world conditions, powering over 3,600 heavy-duty vehicles with more than 200 million kilometers on-road operation.
High Efficiency
Ballard enhanced the performance and lifespan of fuel cell stacks. Maximum rated power per stack increased from 20kW to over 120kW, and the expected lifespan extended from around 10,000 to 25,000 hours.
Exceptional Durability
Launched in 2019 the world’s first commercial tramline with 5 fuel cell trams operated by CRRC Qingdao Sifang has successfully provided sustainable transportation for more than 600,000 passengers over 500,000km by now.
Headline missing about FCrail
Sustainability
Eco-friendly rail transport
Train transport is highly sustainable, offering low emissions and high efficiency compared to other modes of transport. Replacing diesel trains with fuel cell solutions can further enhance sustainability by significantly reducing greenhouse gases and dependence on fossil fuels. This shift promotes cleaner, greener transportation, making railways an even more environmentally friendly option for the future.
Proven
Ballard’s Experience
Fuel cell electric rail is demonstrating reliable operation along daily drive cycles during all seasons and in challenging geographies. Globally there are already more than 10+ fuel cell electric rail projects #PoweredByBallard with a total performance of over 500,000 km driven and more than 600,000 passengers transported in daily operation. A crucial part for future passenger and freight transportation is reachable distance with one tank of hydrogen and the refueling process. In 2024 the Stadler FLIRT-H2, #PoweredByBallard, set a new benchmark, for traveling 2,803 km in 42h without refueling or recharging. This earned the Guinness World Record award for the longest distance covered by a hydrogen-powered passenger train between refueling.
passenger trains, trams and shunting locomotives #PoweredByBallard worldwide
10+
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km driven
500000
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