First Hydrogen-Powered Passenger Train in North America Helps Accelera by Cummins Assess Technology

Accelera by Cummins collaborated with France-based Alstom on a demonstration project featuring a hydrogen-powered passenger train, the Coradia iLint, in Canada’s Charlevoix region. Equipped with Accelera fuel cells and powered by green hydrogen from an Accelera electrolyzer, the train became North America’s first hydrogen-fueled passenger train. Although initially expected to conclude in June, the project’s success extended its operation into November. The train emits only water vapor and reaches speeds of nearly 87 mph, showcasing the viability of hydrogen propulsion technology. While the project is a demonstration, it contributes valuable insights for advancing hydrogen technology applications, including mobility and decarbonization efforts in various sectors.

‘”This is the first (passenger train) of its kind, the first that is carrying passengers in North America, and it’s especially significant because it validates the technology and the multiple ways that the technology can be used,” said Alison Trueblood, general manager of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies at Accelera by Cummins.’

“The demonstration project comes as companies worldwide are increasingly exploring hydrogen to reduce emissions from trains, semi-trucks, buses and power plants, among other applications. It also comes as the diesel industry finds itself at a crossroads of sorts now, as alternative fuel technology grows in viability and concerns about catastrophic climate change continue to reshape how companies and policy makers think about energy consumption.”

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