Stadler FLIRT H2 Bags New World Record in Sustainable Travel

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Stadler is thrilled to reveal that its FLIRT H2 model has set a new world record, as certified by the Guinness World Records, for the furthest distance travelled by a hydrogen fuel cell electric passenger train without the need for refueling or recharging, covering an impressive 1,741.7 miles (2,803 kilometers). This milestone not only showcases Stadler’s commitment to innovation and leadership in the realm of eco-friendly rail solutions but also highlights the FLIRT H2’s advanced technology and performance capabilities, reinforcing the company’s longstanding dedication to pioneering advancements in the industry.

The FLIRT H2 made its debut at the InnoTrans 2022 event in Berlin, showcasing the integration of cutting-edge fuel cell technology and hydrogen storage into the FLIRT series of commuter trains. These innovative features have undergone extensive testing in Switzerland and, more recently, on a specialized test track in Colorado, USA.

As the testing phase neared its end, Stadler was eager to demonstrate the FLIRT H2’s reliability and performance by attempting to break the world record for the longest journey by a hydrogen-powered train without the need for refueling. This effort was closely monitored by the Guinness World Records 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 record-breaking journey commenced on the evening of March 20, 2024, with Stadler’s engineering team, alongside partners from ENSCO, driving the train in shifts around the test track until the attempt concluded successfully at 5:23 p.m. MST on March 22, 2024. The train traveled a total of 1,741.7 miles over more than 46 hours on a single tank of hydrogen.

This achievement secures the FLIRT H2’s position in the Guinness World Records as the holder of the record for the longest distance travelled by a hydrogen-fueled passenger train without the need for refueling. The attempt took place at the ENSCO test facility in Pueblo, Colorado, where meticulous documentation was maintained to ensure the integrity of the record.

The FLIRT H2, intended for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), marks Stadler’s second Guinness World Records title for a train powered by alternative energy sources, following the FLIRT Akku, a battery-operated model that set a record in December 2021 for the longest journey by a battery train in battery mode, covering 224 kilometers in Germany.

The demand for sustainable public transport solutions has garnered international attention, with the FLIRT H2 hydrogen train receiving positive market reception. Following recent orders for additional hydrogen FLIRT models for California, Stadler has become the first manufacturer to produce narrow-gauge hydrogen trains, supplying a total of 15 hydrogen-powered vehicles to Italian rail operators Ferrovie della Calabria (FdC) and ARST, further extending its footprint in the development of environmentally friendly rail transport solutions.

« Back to Page