Accelera Powers North America’s First Green Hydrogen Passenger Train

Sep 28, 2023 - one year ago

Accelera technology is at the heart of both the train’s fuel cell system and the green-hydrogen-producing electrolyzer that fuels it.

Accelera Powers North America’s First Green Hydrogen Passenger Train — *Photo courtesy Train de Charlevoix*

Accelera by Cummins, the zero-emission business segment of Cummins Inc., is powering North America’s first hydrogen passenger train, marking a major milestone and significant step forward in the transition to clean urban transportation in the Americas. The train, the Coradia iLint, is manufactured by Alstom, the global green and smart mobility leader.

The Coradia iLint train entered service in Canada on June 17 as part of Alstom’s demonstration project, aiding in the development and marketability of hydrogen propulsion technology in North America. The train is operating with passengers on board for the entire summer season on the railway of Train de Charlevoix, an iconic line crossing the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Charlevoix region in the Province of Quebec, Canada.

A key element of the project is the utilization of Accelera fuel cells in conjunction with green hydrogen. Mounted to the roof of the train, the fuel cells work to convert hydrogen into electricity, which powers the train. The green hydrogen used in Alstom’s Coradia iLint train is produced by an Accelera HySTAT-100-10 electrolyzer, which is owned and operated in Quebec by project partner Harnois Énergies.

“Together with our visionary partners, we are reshaping the way people travel and inspiring a future where efficiency, sustainability and innovation go hand in hand,” said Alison Trueblood, General Manager of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies at Accelera. "By leveraging the capabilities of hydrogen-powered technology and our expertise in green hydrogen production, we’re driving innovation – providing zero-emission solutions for the urban mobility challenges today’s congested cities face."

As Accelera continues to push the boundaries of innovation, it remains committed to shaping a sustainable future where transportation not only connects people but also preserves the planet. The Coradia iLint will be operational for passenger rides through the end of September.

Source: Cummins