Hydrogen electric fuel cell trains

Rail

Electrifying trains

Our hydrogen fuel cell technology delivers clean electric power in an industry-leading compact format. With uniquely high power density and the most validated fuel cell stack platform on the market, our systems enable a reliable path away from diesel. Drawing on experience from other hard-to-abate sectors, we are applying our proven platform, integration know-how, and industrial mindset to the world of trains. With OEM value creation at our core, we are ready to move rail forward.

Proven performance

We combine world-leading fuel cell technology with the ability to deliver at industrial scale. With us, you’re starting with momentum on a proven path to commercial success. In marine, our type-approved Marine System 225 is powering large OEM installations. In automotive, our joint S3 platform with Bosch is one of the most validated and delivered stacks worldwide. In aviation, the S3 stack delivers market-leading energy density and exceptional reliability.

Leading across industries

Whether it’s the world’s first hydrogen flight or the largest marine fuel cell installation, we’re driving the development of hydrogen electrification. We have helped more customers commercialise hydrogen fuel cell applications than any fuel cell company in the world. Our technology is certified and operational in safety-critical applications and we’re already electrifying aviation, marine, off-road, and stationary power generation. Now, we’re applying the same industrialised innovation to rail.

Why choose fuel cells for rail?

For operators working to reduce emissions, fuel cell systems offer several advantages compared to other alternatives.

Fuel cells vs. overhead electrification

No overhead wires required, making it ideal for tunnels, bridges or heritage routes where installing catenary systems would involve costly civil works.

 

Significantly lower infrastructure costs, avoiding large-scale rebuilds and the emissions associated with construction.

 

More cost-effective on lightly used branch lines, where the expense of wiring and substations far exceeds potential energy savings.

Fuel cells vs. batteries

Longer range and faster refuelling, making it better suited for heavy-duty freight and shunting operations.

 

Lighter systems that help maintain train performance and cargo capacity.

 

Independent of grid availability and not limited by long charging cycles.

Fuel cells vs. ICEs

Zero tailpipe emissions and performance surpassing diesel, helping operators meet tightening environmental regulations.

 

Lower noise and vibration, improving crew comfort and reducing environmental disturbance along the route.

 

Future-proof technology that protects OEM portfolios from the decline of fossil fuel markets.

Front-running electrification

Hydrogen fuel cell technology enables new possibilities for sustainable rail transport. Hydrogen electric trains can operate independently of the grid, and are ideal for decentralised freight routes and yard operations.

Our powerful, compact and scalable solutions are engineered to support flexible deployment and meet heavy-duty performance requirements. With extensive experience in hard-to-abate sectors such as marine and aviation, we develop and integrate systems capable of handling heavy loads, long ranges, and tough environments.

Smarter integration

Our hydrogen fuel cell systems include a Distributed Master Controller (DMC) that simplifies integration with electric drivetrains and improves overall performance. This controller provides a single, standardised communication interface to train control systems, reducing software complexity and speeding up integration.

The DMC distributes power among multiple fuel cell systems, balancing load and system runtime to extend stack lifetime and improve efficiency, helping to reduce total operational cost. The control strategy can be adjusted to facilitate different rail duties such as shunting and freight.

Engineering services

With decades of hard-won experience, know-how and validated technology within the fuel cell industry, we guide you on your journey to a zero-emission solution.

Our consultancy services provide you with an optimised fuel cell system tailored to your specific needs. This minimises your initial investment outlay and supports your evaluation in selecting a product and solution.

We also handle integration, ensuring the fuel cell system fits seamlessly into your platform, whether it’s a new build or a retrofit. By combining engineering expertise with integration capabilities, we accelerate your transition to zero-emission operations.

Get your project on track

Contact us and take the first step toward zero-emission rail with hydrogen fuel cell technology.