Stadler has received an order from the State of California to build four hydrogen-powered trains for the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and Caltrans.
The contract also includes the option to purchase up to 25 additional trains in the future.
This order follows Stadler’s existing contract with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) to produce the first hydrogen-powered train for North America: the FLIRT H2.
The vehicle has now made its US public debut at APTA EXPO 2023, a year on from its initial unveiling at InnoTrans 2022.
“Our development of the battery fuel cell train is changing the US rail vehicle industry for alternative drive systems and combines typical Stadler top quality and reliability. We are driving innovations that are transforming not just rail transportation, but the very nature of sustainable transportation in America. This contract is a testament to our relentless pursuit of sustainable, environmentally friendly transportation solutions, and we are excited to play a central role in California's journey to a cleaner, greener future.”
Stadler’s hydrogen-powered train has been tested in both Switzerland and the US to prove its reliability and demonstrate its high performance. This success has now led to CalSTA and Caltrans’s decision to invest in the vehicle.
Under this latest agreement, an evolved version of the SBCTA model will be developed with increased transport capacity.
It is anticipated that the use of new hydrogen trains in California will help transform the rail industry while significantly reducing emissions.
“Stadler has set itself the goal of using its vehicles and services to help make travelling in North America more environmentally friendly. Very few railway lines in the USA are electrified, which is why solutions like the FLIRT H2 are so important here.”
