North America’s first hydrogen-powered, zero-emission passenger train has been unveiled in San Bernardino, California.
The Zemu – short for “zero-emission multiple unit” – has two cars and runs on a hydrogen fuel cell and battery.
UK-headquartered consulting engineer Mott MacDonald oversaw its development for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA).
It prepared two applications resulting in a total of $45.8m in state funding for the project since 2018.
“Our team evaluated zero-emission technologies, including alternative fuels, batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and hybrid options,” the engineer said.
The SBCTA’s board unanimously approved the hybrid design in July 2019.
The authority plans to convert diesel trains to Zemus on the Arrow service to Redlands by 2025.
“Cleaner air, quieter trains and extra space on board are just a few of the outstanding benefits these hydrogen-powered passenger trains bring to the people of California,” said California’s transportation secretary Toks Omishakin, adding that 10 more Zemus were planned.
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