Poland: The local producer’s head, Krzysztof Zdziarski, came up with this evaluation when giving an interview to Rynek Kolejowy.
Last autumn, Pesa announced developing a hydrogen LRV and presented a concept of the new tram platform.
Mr Zdziarski noted that the company is discussing the delivery of 15 such trams with two potential customers (not yet disclosed). Meanwhile, the negotiations are in the initial, consultative phase.
Among the cities considering a purchase of hydrogen trams, there are Polish Krakow and Toruń, German Görlitz, and several Scandinavian cities, according to Pesa’s CEO.
Mr Zdziarski added that future hydrogen trams from Pesa would be fitted with pantographs, enabling the vehicles to be powered not only by hydrogen fuel cells but also by batteries and catenary. “Taking into account the cost of hydrogen, we want to optimise its consumption and ensure additional range without breaking the financial model,” he said.
Only Hyundai Rotem, among large manufacturers, is currently developing hydrogen trams. In late 2028, the city of Daejeon, South Korea, is going to launch a hydrogen light rail line served by a fleet of 34 H2 trams from Hyundai Rotem.
At the same time, the world’s first hydrogen tram line in Foshan, China, has halted service since last autumn. While the overhaul of infrastructure and equipment was given as the official reason for the suspension, it was also reported that low passenger flow and the end-of-life for the fuel cells could be factors.
