AFP / John MACDOUGALL
The world’s first completely emission-free train powered by hydrogen is officially running in Germany.
The manufacturer says the trains are a “true alternative to diesel power” as Europe tries to wean itself off of Russian oil.
Check out photos of the world’s first hydrogen-powered train.
The world’s first train powered by hydrogen officially started picking up passengers in Germany last Monday.
The train cost $86 million, according to a report by Fuel Cell Works, and will begin by transporting passengers between two stops just outside of Hamburg.
Fuel Cell Works says initial service on the train is “preliminary,” and older diesel-fueled trains will serve as a backup in case there are adjustments needed in the first few months of service.
Alstom, the company that developed the trains, says that the emission-free trains represent “a true alternative to diesel power.”
The rollout of these trains comes as Germany and other European countries attempt to wean themselves off of Russian oil and gas imports – even resorting to turning off lights and heating – to comply with Europe’s sanctions as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Here are photos of the world’s first hydrogen-powered train.