Skip to content
Rail, Trams and Rolling Stock

Champion zero-emission for rail

Fuel Cell Rail

Hydrogen fuel cell engines for zero-emission trains

Hydrogen fuel cells are a powerful zero-emission alternative to diesel-powered passenger trains, trams, shunting locomotives and rolling stock. Nearly any train route served by diesel trains can be served by a fuel cell powered train.

Advantages of fuel cell electric trains and rolling stock

Zero-emission Rail Operations

Zero-emission solutions for non-electrified rail lines and long demanding freight routes

Lower OPEX and CAPEX on non-electrified tracks versus electrification.

Fuel cell modules are comparable with diesel engines with no cost for overhead catenaries.

Nearly any train route can be served by fuel cell power

High performing fuel cell modules can operate on a wide range of topographic profiles.

No requirement for overhead catenary infrastructure and power substations

Hydrogen fuel cell powered trains operate decentralized, similar to diesel engines.

Scalable to a variety of routes and applications

Fuel cell systems are used in passenger trains, trams, locomotives and shunters.

Fuel Cell Module

FCmove® and FCwave for 
rail applications

Ballard’s fuel cells support a wide range of rail applications from trams and passenger trains to shunters and locomotives, scalable to specific route, performance and installation requirements.

FCmove® product family FCwave Product Family Use our Product Finder Tool

Lower Lifecycle costs

Ballard’s fuel cell platforms offer compact, fully integrated, robust power solutions with low total life cycle cost. Low TCO is achieved through product performance optimization, fuel cell stack durability, efficiency and lower maintenance requirements.

High Reliability

Ballard’s fuel cells have been tested in real-world conditions, powering over 3,600 heavy-duty vehicles with more than 200 million kilometers on-road operation.

High Efficiency

Ballard enhanced the performance and lifespan of fuel cell stacks. Maximum rated power per stack increased from 20kW to over 120kW, and the expected lifespan extended from around 10,000 to 25,000 hours.

Exceptional Durability

Launched in 2019 the world’s first commercial tramline with 5 fuel cell trams operated by CRRC Qingdao Sifang has successfully provided sustainable transportation for more than 600,000 passengers over 500,000km by now.

Sustainability

Eco-friendly rail transport

More on Sustainability

Train transport is highly sustainable, offering low emissions and high efficiency compared to other modes of transport. Replacing diesel trains with fuel cell solutions can further enhance sustainability by significantly reducing greenhouse gases and dependence on fossil fuels. This shift promotes cleaner, greener transportation, making railways an even more environmentally friendly option for the future.

Eco-friendly rail transport
Proven

Ballard’s Experience

Fuel cell electric rail is demonstrating reliable operation along daily drive cycles during all seasons and in challenging geographies. Globally there are already more than 10+ fuel cell electric rail projects #PoweredByBallard with a total performance of over 500,000 km driven and more than 600,000 passengers transported in daily operation. A crucial part for future passenger and freight transportation is reachable distance with one tank of hydrogen and the refueling process. In 2024 the Stadler FLIRT-H2, #PoweredByBallard, set a new benchmark, for traveling 2,803 km in 42h without refueling or recharging. This earned the Guinness World Record award for the longest distance covered by a hydrogen-powered passenger train between refueling.

passenger trains, trams and shunting locomotives #PoweredByBallard worldwide

10+

Compiled from 2015

km driven

500000

Compiled from 2015

Connect with a Fuel Cell Expert

Begin your journey towards sustainable energy solutions by scheduling a consultation with our knowledgeable fuel cell experts—let's discuss how we can drive your project forward together.

Connect with an Expert