Stadler ZEMU Zero Emission Multiple Unit and DMU's for SBCTA San Bernadino to Redlands Arrow Service

https://www.gosbcta.com/project/diesel- ... nit-pilot/

In conjunction with public transit expansion as demonstrated by construction of the Redlands Passenger Rail/Arrow Project, SBCTA is seeking to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on its transit systems by initially deploying a zero or low emission train and ultimately converting the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) vehicles on the Arrow. In 2018, SBCTA was awarded a Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) grant for the development and purchase of an additional rail vehicle that will demonstrate the ability to provide zero emission service using multiple unit train sets. The project will also explore the conversion of at least one DMU vehicle used on the Arrow service, so that regular revenue operations are provided by a zero emission fleet, dramatically changing the corridor-level emissions of the new rail service.

https://www.gosbcta.com/green-tech-for- ... red-train/

Government Press Release Exception:

A contract signing yesterday between Stadler U.S. and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) clears the way for the first hydrogen-powered passenger train to operate in the United States.

The agreement marks a major milestone in bringing zero-emission passenger rail technology to the U.S. The hydrogen-powered FLIRT H2 vehicle will be introduced in 2024 as part of the Redlands Passenger Rail Project, a nine-mile connector between Redlands and San Bernardino’s Metrolink station.

Under the agreement, Stadler will develop the first hydrogen-powered train. The ordered vehicle consists of two cars with a power pack in between. This holds the fuel cells and the hydrogen tanks. The train is
expected to have seating space for 108 passengers and in addition generous standing room. The FLIRT H2 is projected transport passengers with a maximum speed of up to 79 mph (130 km/h). The predicted delivery is in the year 2023. The train is scheduled to enter passenger service in 2024.
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Hopefully that 3rd set of original ordered equipment to convert over, won't be terribly missed once service starts. If the hyrdogen propulsion motive "power pack" works out, even a conversion of like units for TexRail could be a possibility.

Great to see that this is now official! Hopefully Redlands will lead the way for other commuter rail lines to use hydrogen powered multiple units, or maybe other types of locomotives!

Bump. Any updates?

Testing of Hydrogen Cell ZEMU at the DOT Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, Colo Railway Age

First U.S. Hydrogen Powered Passenger Trainset Testing at TTC
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Stadler ZEMU
Hydrogen-powered trains have been in service in Germany since 2018 and have completed trials in several other European countries. In 2019, Stadler US Inc. (a U.S. subsidiary of Swiss train manufacturer Stadler Rail) was awarded a contract from San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) to deliver the first-in-the-U.S. hydrogen-powered trainset with an option to order four more in the future. The train is called the ZEMU, for “Zero Emission Multiple Unit.”

The ZEMU uses a combination of hydrogen fuel cells and batteries for propulsion. Electrical power is created by combining hydrogen with oxygen in on-board fuel cells. The reaction between hydrogen and oxygen produces purified water and heat. When the ZEMU operates, it emits only water vapor, meaning cleaner air and less global warming. When the hydrogen itself is produced by green methods, the total system can achieve zero carbon emissions.

The ZEMU consists of two cars with a power module in between that holds the hydrogen tanks and fuel cells that generate electricity for the traction motors. The trainset has seating space for 108 passengers in addition to generous standing room, and can transport passengers with a maximum speed of up to 79 mph. It is expected to start operation as part of the Arrow service between San Bernardino and Redlands, Calif. in 2024.
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