Business · Companies · 16 hrs ago
Stadler opens Swiss test track for hydrogen trains bound for Italy
Stadler has opened a test track in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, to test hydrogen-powered trains built for Italy.
The track runs for nearly four kilometres between Hemishofen and Ramsen and uses a gauge suited to regional railways in Italy.
The first train tested there is for Sardinia and is the world’s first hydrogen-powered narrow-gauge train, according to Stadler.
Initial tests will check its hydrogen system at different speeds and fuel levels, followed by checks of braking and acceleration.
Testing in Switzerland is intended to speed up the trains’ introduction in Italy, where similar narrow-gauge networks are found.
Over the next three years, Stadler plans to test 21 trains for Sardinia, Calabria and Sicily.
Stadler has put a special test track into operation in the Swiss canton of Schaffhausen for hydrogen trains intended for Italy.
The track runs between Hemishofen and Ramsen and is nearly four kilometres long.
The first train being tested is a hydrogen-powered narrow-gauge train for Sardinia, which Stadler describes as the world’s first of its kind.
The tests are intended to make the trains’ later commissioning in Italy faster.
Stadler plans to test 21 hydrogen trains for Sardinia, Calabria and Sicily at the track over the next three years.
- Who
- Swiss train manufacturer Stadler.
- What
- Stadler has opened a test track for hydrogen trains bound for Italy.
- When
- The track is now in operation; 21 trains are due to be tested there over the next three years.
- Where
- Between Hemishofen and Ramsen in the canton of Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
- Why
- Testing the trains in Switzerland is intended to speed up their later commissioning in Italy.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Stadler built a nearly four-kilometre test track between Hemishofen and Ramsen, adding a third rail to an existing track.
A hydrogen train for Sardinia is making test runs on the track.
Stadler plans to carry out further approval-related tests, including checks of braking and acceleration.
Stadler plans to test 21 hydrogen trains for Sardinia, Calabria and Sicily.
- Track length
- Nearly four kilometres
- Track gauge
- 950 millimetres
- First train
- Hydrogen-powered narrow-gauge train for Sardinia
- Planned test fleet
- 21 trains
- Regions served
- Sardinia, Calabria and Sicily