Stadler is the first train manufacturer in the world to produce narrow-gauge (950mm) hydrogen trains. In addition to the trains for FdC, Stadler is also supplying six hydrogen trains for Italy’s ARST and five for passenger transport in California.
The three new hydrogen vehicles complement FdC’s fleet, which was commissioned under the framework agreement signed in July 2023. This framework agreement between Stadler and FdC covers the supply and maintenance of a total of 15 hydrogen-powered vehicles.
The first call-off under this framework agreement provides for the delivery of six hydrogen vehicles. The vehicles already ordered, as well as the new ones, will be manufactured at Stadler’s headquarters in Bussnang, Switzerland.
Ernesto Ferraro, CEO of FdC, said, “The purchase of three more hydrogen-powered trains, in addition to the six vehicles already purchased, as well as the ongoing investments, including those for the modernization and acceleration of the railway infrastructure, the renewal of rolling stock, the construction of the hydrogen production plant and the technological and infrastructural innovation of the company, represent the concrete implementation of the company’s strategy, which was launched with the aim of becoming a modern and sustainable transport company within the next three years.
“These goals are now possible thanks to the collaboration with the Calabria Region, the company’s sole shareholder, and the relevant ministries, which have provided the necessary funds to support the industrial plan that the company is pursuing, and to whom we are grateful,” Ferraro continued.
Ansgar Brockmeyer, executive vice president of marketing and sales at Stadler, added, “We are very proud that FdC has once again commissioned Stadler to supply the new trains. With our multiple units, we are jointly driving forward the decarbonisation of rail transport in Italy. In addition, the new narrow-gauge hydrogen trains are a world first and groundbreaking for sustainable rail transport on narrow-gauge lines worldwide.”
The hydrogen trains consist of two passenger cars and one PowerPack. The former have a lightweight aluminium structure that helps increase the energy efficiency of the train. The latter houses the fuel cells and hydrogen tanks as well as other technical facilities.