Stadler’s hydrogen-powered FLIRT H2 train has earned a new Guinness World Record for travelling the longest distance as a pilot hydrogen fuel cell electric multiple unit passenger train without refuelling or recharging.
For this record, the train travelled 1,741.7 miles (2,803 kilometres).
The model was first unveiled at InnoTrans 2022 in Berlin with a unit manufactured for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBTCA).
The commuter train makes use of a number of solutions to integrate fuel cells and hydrogen storage systems into the vehicle. These solutions have been tested thoroughly, first in Switzerland and then on a dedicated test ring in Colorado, USA.
Close to the completion of testing, Stadler decided to officially attempt to set the new record for the range of the hydrogen train without refuelling or recharging. This attempt was completed under the close watch of the Guinness World Records adjudication team.
The world record journey started on the evening of 20 March 2024 and saw a team of engineers from Stadler and ENSCO drive the vehicle in shifts for 46 hours. The successful attempt concluded at 5.23pm on 22 March 2024.
The achievement was completed at the ENSCO test center in Pueblo, Colorado where the vehicle had undergone its type test procedure.
“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.”
The FLIRT H2 is Stadler’s second train with alternative propulsion to win a Guinness World Records title.
In December 2021, the battery-powered FLIRT Akku model, set the world record for the longest journey with a battery multiple unit in pure battery mode, covering 224 kilometres in Germany.
