Spain: The FCH2Rail consortium, which has been implementing a €14 mln project since 2021, has unveiled the results.
The consortium also enjoys the Spanish operator Renfe, ADIF, and other companies among its members. The CAF Civia 463 EMU was fitted with a hybrid traction system with Toyota hydrogen fuel cells.
The train’s total mileage on the Spanish and Portuguese net, when powered by hydrogen fuel cells, exceeded 10,000 km. The vehicle underwent testing in different climate and operating conditions, including lines with a complex line profile. In addition, the train was able to cover 804 km without refuelling.
According to the IRJ, the project’s Technical Manager Sergio Gascón said the hydrogen traction is technically ready to be introduced, still the fuel supply chain and the corresponding fuelling infrastructure haven’t been worked through yet. He added that for diesel to be commercially efficient, the costs should be lower and the logistics easier.
