Stadler had the honour of presenting the FLIRT H2 to the public for the first time at InnoTrans 2022 in Berlin. A significant number of detailed solutions were developed to integrate fuel cells and hydrogen storage systems into the modern FLIRT commuter train product line. These solutions have since been tested thoroughly, first in Switzerland and more recently on a dedicated test ring in Colorado in the United States.
Close to completion of testing, the company was eager to prove the reliability and capability of this innovative train. To do so, an attempt to set a new records title for the range of the hydrogen train without refuelling or recharging was undertaken under the close watch of the Guinness World Records adjudication team.
Dr. Ansgar Brockmeyer, EVP of Marketing and Sales at Stadler said: “This world record establishes the ideal performance range of our hydrogen version of the best-selling FLIRT Electric Multiple Unit, the FLIRT H2. This is a monumental achievement from our entire team and we are very proud to hold another record title.”
Martin Ritter, CEO Stadler US Inc. said: “Stadler is consistently focusing on the future of rail transportation with alternative drive systems by continuously developing innovative technologies. By using hydrogen as a clean energy source, we are actively contributing to environmental protection and shaping the sustainable and zero emission travel of tomorrow.”
The world record journey started in the evening of March 20, 2024 where the train set out for its first laps around the test track. The team of engineers from Stadler and ENSCO continued driving the vehicle in shifts throughout the night and following day and concluded the successful attempt at 5.23 p.m. (MST), on March 22 , 2024 (at 12.23 a.m. CET, on March 23, 2024). Altogether, the train travelled 1,741.7 miles (2,803 kilometres) for over 46 hours on one tank filling.
With this, Stadler’s FLIRT H2 officially holds the world record for the longest distance travelled by a hydrogen-powered passenger train without refuelling or recharging. The record attempt was made at the ENSCO test centre in Pueblo, Colorado where the vehicle had undergone its type test procedure. Detailed records before, during and after the world record attempt were kept to ensure precise and transparent evidence is established.
The FLIRT H2 for San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is Stadler’s second Guinness World Records title winning train with alternative propulsion. In December 2021, the FLIRT Akku, the battery-powered FLIRT model, set the world record for the longest journey with a battery multiple unit in pure battery mode, covering 224 kilometres in Germany. There is great international interest in sustainable public transportation. Stadler’s FLIRT H2 hydrogen train has been well received on the market. In addition to a recent order of further hydrogen FLIRT for California, Stadler is the first train manufacturer in the world to produce narrow-gauge hydrogen trains. In Europe, the Italian railroad operators Ferrovie della Calabria (FdC) and ARST have already redeemed options, which means that Stadler is contracted to now supply a total of 15 hydrogen-powered vehicles in Italy.