Case Study
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
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
FCmove® 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.
FCmove® product family FCwave™ Product Family Use our Product Finder Tool Read our success stories
Lower lifecycle costs
Ballard’s fuel cell platforms offer compact, fully integrated, robust power solutions with low total lifecycle 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 3,800 heavy-duty vehicles with more than 250 million kilometers of 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 five fuel cell trams operated by CRRC Qingdao Sifang has successfully provided sustainable transportation for more than 600,000 passengers over 500,000km.
FCmove® product family
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 more than 10 fuel cell electric rail projects #PoweredByBallard with a total performance of over 500,000km 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 2,803km in 42 hours 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 train, tram and shunting locomotive projects #PoweredByBallard worldwide
10+
Compiled from 2015
Kilometers driven
500,000
Compiled from 2015
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