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By Marie Boran
Technology Reporter
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China has debuted its hydrogen-powered high-speed train with zero-emission technology that reaches a top speed of 200 kilometers (124 miles) per hour.
China unveiled CINOVA H2, the country's first train of the kind at InnoTrans 2024, a transportation tech trade fair in Berlin, Germany. Developed by CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co Ltd, a subsidiary of China Railway Rolling Stock Corp (CRRC), it can reach its top speed using hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity.
Producing only water as a byproduct, this technology results in zero carbon emissions throughout its operation. Liang Caiguo, a senior designer at CRRC Qingdao Sifang, said that the train's high-power fuel cells can produce up to 960 kilowatts of electricity.
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"Its design emphasizes a green and sustainable approach," said Caiguo. "The water emitted from the hydrogen fuel cell reaction is purified and recycled to meet passenger water needs. Additionally, the waste heat from cooling the hydrogen fuel cell is repurposed for heating the air conditioning system during winter."
The four-car train has a cruising speed of 160 kilometers (99 miles) per hour and, with a full refueling time of 15 minutes, the CINOVA H2 can cover a full range of 1,200 kilometers. The train's design allows it to carry over 1,000 passengers. Its lightweight structure and integrated saloon make for high passenger capacity, making it suitable for intercity travel.
Wang Xueliang, deputy director of the CRRC Qingdao Sifang technology center, told China Daily that the train "can be used in nonelectrified railway areas, replacing traditional diesel-powered alternatives."
"It effectively reduces carbon dioxide and other air pollutant emissions, showcasing significant environmental benefits, and will strongly promote a new green upgrade for passenger transport equipment on nonelectrified railways," added Xueliang.
CINOVA H2 uses CRRC's SmartCare system to monitor and maintain the vehicle. It combines data from both the vehicle and its environment to provide smart maintenance services throughout the vehicle's life.
CRRC says it helps make operations safer and cuts down on maintenance expenses, and that the hydrogen system has been thoroughly tested for safety in all situations with AI features including smart detection and automatic isolation.
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The speeds of China's new CINOVA H2 hydrogen-powered train are notably higher compared to other hydrogen-powered trains around the world. For example, Alstom's Coradia iLint, which was the first hydrogen train to enter commercial service in Europe, has a top speed of 140 kmph (87 mph) but typically operates at 80-120 kmph (50-75 mph) in day-to-day services across Germany and other countries including Austria and the Netherlands.
When it comes to traditional high speed trains, however, those powered by hydrogen fuel cells lag significantly behind. The Shanghai Maglev (magnetic levitation) is officially the world's fastest train, reaching a top speed of 460 kph (286 mph) during commercial operations. It connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the city, covering 30 kilometers in 7.5 minutes.
Following China's CR400 'Fuxing', which hits speeds of 350 kph (217 mph), Germany's InterCity Express (ICE) has a normal operating speed of 300 kph (186 mph), but the ICE3 - the fastest model - is authorized to hit 330 kph (205 mph) when running late.
Meanwhile, U.S. high-speed trains achieved two milestones in 2024: construction began in April on Brightline West, a high-speed rail project connecting the Los Angeles metropolitan area to Las Vegas, allowing trains to reach speeds up to 200 mph. Additionally, in January, Amtrak began testing new high-speed Acela trains that are set to reach over 155 mph when they launch.
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