The solutions include the world premiere of its hydrogen-powered FLIRT H2 multiple unit, which is being developed for American passenger transport, the world record breaking battery-powered FLIRT train, the EURO9000 model, which Stadler claims is the most powerful hybrid locomotive in Europe, and the next-generation TINA tram.
According to Stadler, all seven models will be revealed to the specialist and public for the first time at InnoTrans 2022. The vehicles, which will be displayed on over 350m of track in the open-air ground, aim to set new benchmarks in terms of energy efficiency, performance, and passenger comfort.
Hydrogen power
The FLIRT H2 multiple unit is being developed for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and, Stadler noted, is the first hydrogen-powered passenger train for the USA. “It is instrumental in bringing zero-emission rail technology to the USA,” the company added.
The FLIRT H2 multiple unit is intended for passenger service on the Redlands Passenger Rail Project in California. The Redlands Passenger Rail Project is a 14km link between Redlands and the San Bernardino Metrolink station.
The FLIRT H2 vehicle consists of two cars and a middle section referred to as the “powerpack”. This holds the fuel cells and the hydrogen tanks. In the “powerpack”, hydrogen is converted into electric current, which is stored in a traction battery. The battery then supplies the vehicle’s drive system, HVAC system and other comfort facilities with power. In this configuration, the train can also recover kinetic energy when braking, so that this can also be re-used to drive the train. The train can reach a maximum speed of 130 km per hour (79 mph).
Battery power
Meanwhile, Stadler’s two-car battery-powered FLIRT train is the first series-produced multiple unit for the first decarbonized, non-electrified rail network in Germany. Designed for non-electrified or only partially electrified routes, the battery-powered FLIRT vehicle is extremely versatile. The batteries can be charged while the train is travelling under overhead contact lines as well as at electrified stops. Charging is also possible with standardized UIC preheating devices. In addition, kinetic energy is recovered during braking.
During a track test, Stadler set the world record of 224km travelled in battery operation with the battery-powered FLIRT prototype. The 46-metre-long multiple unit has 124 seats as well as two spacious and fully accessible multifunctional zones for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles.
55 battery-electric FLIRT multiple units are included in the order that Nahverkehrsverbund Schleswig-Holstein GmbH (NAH.SH) awarded to Stadler in 2019 as part of the first open-technology tender ever organized in Germany for traction vehicles with alternative drive technologies.
Rail freight
Stadler is also presenting its latest locomotive for rail freight transport in Europe at InnoTrans 2022 in the form of the EURO9000 model. The six-axle locomotives are TSI compliant and have been ordered with multi-system configuration for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium (15 kV + 25 kV AC and 1.5 kV + 3 kV DC). The vehicles are intended for use on the main European rail corridors and are fitted with ETCS and a radio remote control system as standard.
The modular design of the EURO9000 vehicle allows up to three different drive systems to be installed together: electric drive, diesel drive with two energy-saving 950 kW engines, and batteries enabling environmentally friendly operation on non-electrified routes. Thanks to a power range of up to 9 MW and a tractive force of up to 500 kN, operation with just one locomotive will be possible in many situations that currently require two standard locomotives.
Leasing company European Loc Pool (ELP) is Stadler’s first customer to opt for the new EURO9000 model. ELP has ordered 30 EURO9000 electric locomotives from Stadler since May 2019. The vehicles are part of a framework agreement between Stadler and ELP for at least 100 locomotives and are leased by ELP to rail freight companies from various countries. The locomotive on display will be operated by the Dutch freight operator Rail Force One, the first railway company to lease the EURO9000 vehicle from ELP.
Trimodal drives
British rail operator Transport for Wales ordered 35 FLIRT multiple units from Stadler in January 2019. Of these, 24 trains have a trimodal drive and can be operated fully electrically under overhead contact lines, electrically by battery, or in hybrid mode with a diesel drive. The diesel drive is only intended for exceptional use, according to Stadler; regular operation should be entirely electric.
The fleet of trimodal FLIRT vehicles consists of seven three-car and 17 four-car trains. The vehicles comply with the latest TSI standards and have been designed specifically to meet the requirements of Transport for Wales and the local infrastructure. The first trimodal FLIRT vehicles are currently completing test journeys and are scheduled to start passenger service before the end of the year.
Metro trains
The Liverpool City Region in the UK has ordered 53 Metro trains from Stadler, seven of which are independent powered electrical multiple units (IPEMU). These will be the first IPEMUs to be introduced into passenger service in the UK. These environmentally friendly trains are based on the original Class 777 Metro vehicles and enable operations to be expanded to non-electrified routes. With IPEMUs, infrastructure work can be avoided, and passenger numbers can be increased thanks to an integrated travel experience.
IPEMUs can replace diesel-powered trains, helping regional and national authorities to meet CO2 reduction targets. In addition, IPEMUs eliminate the need to change trains, resulting in an improved travel experience and reduced journey times for passengers. Each IPEMU is equipped with a battery-based power storage system. The new battery traction equipment is housed in the underframe.
While an IPEMU is driving on the electrified network, the batteries are charged via the third rail or by regenerative braking. The charging time is less than 15 minutes, and one battery is designed for more than 10,000 charge and discharge cycles. The transition from all-electric to IPEMU drive is smooth and not noticeable to passengers during the journey.
The other two trains on display by Stadler at InnoTrans are the latest generation TINA tram and the Citylink tram trains.