Stadler, a Swiss company with its U.S. headquarters in Salt Lake City, has recently made history by achieving a new Guinness World Record. On the Pueblo test track at the Transportation Technology Center, its hydrogen-powered FLIRT H2 passenger train successfully traveled an impressive 1,741.7 miles on a single tank filling. This record-breaking journey, which started on March 20, concluded over 46 hours later on March 22 at 5:23 p.m.
The FLIRT H2 train is a testament to Stadler’s dedication to advancing rail transportation with alternative drive systems and innovative technologies. By utilizing hydrogen as a clean energy source, Stadler actively contributes to environmental protection and the development of sustainable and zero-emission travel for the future.
The significance of this achievement lies in the fact that when the FLIRT H2 enters service at the end of 2024, it will be the first-ever hydrogen-powered passenger train in the United States. The inaugural vehicle will operate on the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s 9-mile route from the city of San Bernardino to the University of Redlands in California.
The FLIRT H2 train consists of two passenger cars separated by a “Hydrogen Power Pack” and has a spacious seating capacity of 108, with additional standing room for passengers. It can reach a maximum speed of 79 miles per hour.
In order to set this world record, the FLIRT H2 train underwent extensive testing and endurance trials on the Pueblo test track. Stadler engineers, along with the support of ENSCO, Inc., drove the vehicle in alternating shifts for the duration of the 46-hour journey. Covering a distance of over 1,740 miles without the need for recharging or refueling, the FLIRT H2 train showcases the impressive range potential of hydrogen-powered transportation.
Despite the limited availability of hydrogen fueling stations, the remarkable range of the FLIRT H2 train mitigates the need for frequent refueling stops. Ruben Peña, the ENSCO director of modernization and integration, expressed excitement about working with this emerging technology and its potential impact on the transportation industry.
Stadler’s achievement with the FLIRT H2 train not only sets a new record but also paves the way for a future of sustainable and environmentally friendly rail travel. With their commitment to innovative solutions, Stadler continues to be at the forefront of revolutionizing the industry.
FAQ Section:
1. What is the FLIRT H2 train?
The FLIRT H2 train is a hydrogen-powered passenger train developed by Stadler, a Swiss company. It is aimed at advancing rail transportation with alternative drive systems and innovative technologies.
2. What is the significance of Stadler’s recent achievement?
Stadler recently set a new Guinness World Record with the FLIRT H2 train by traveling 1,741.7 miles on a single tank filling. This achievement highlights the train’s impressive range potential and its contribution to sustainable and zero-emission travel.
3. When will the FLIRT H2 train enter service in the United States?
The FLIRT H2 train is set to enter service at the end of 2024. It will be the first-ever hydrogen-powered passenger train in the United States and will operate on a 9-mile route from San Bernardino to the University of Redlands in California.
4. How many passengers can the FLIRT H2 train accommodate?
The FLIRT H2 train consists of two passenger cars with a seating capacity of 108. It also offers additional standing room for passengers.
5. What is the maximum speed of the FLIRT H2 train?
The FLIRT H2 train can reach a maximum speed of 79 miles per hour.
Definitions:
1. Hydrogen-powered: Refers to utilizing hydrogen as an energy source for generating power instead of traditional fossil fuels.
2. Guinness World Record: An internationally recognized achievement deemed as the highest, fastest, largest, or in this case, the longest distance covered on a single tank filling.
3. Sustainable: Refers to practices that can be maintained over the long term without depleting natural resources or causing harm to the environment or society.
4. Zero-emission: Describes a process or technology that does not produce any greenhouse gases or pollutants during operation.
Suggested Related Links:
1. stadlerrail.com – Official website of Stadler, the company behind the FLIRT H2 train. Provides more information about their innovative solutions in rail transportation.
2. guinnessworldrecords.com – Official website of Guinness World Records. Offers a wide range of record-breaking achievements from various fields.
3. transportationauthority.sbcounty.gov – Website of the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority. Provides details about their transportation services and projects in the area.
4. universityofredlands.org – Official website of the University of Redlands. Offers information about the university and its campus locations.
