Accelera powers first hydrogen passenger train in North America

Alstom’s Coradia iLint hydrogen train, powered by Accelera fuel cells, transported its first North American passengers in Canada on June 17, 2023. (Photo: Alstom)

Accelera by Cummins has been key to the debut of North America’s first hydrogen passenger train, the Coradia iLint, manufactured by Alstom, a global leader in green and smart mobility.

On June 17, the Coradia iLint carried its first passengers to kick off its summer season of operation on the railway of Train de Charlevoix, which crosses the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Charlevoix region in Quebec, Canada.

The train is powered by Accelera fuel cells that are mounted on the roof, along with green hydrogen produced by an Accelera HySTAT-100-10 electrolyzer, which is owned and operated by Quebec-based project partner Harnois Énergies.

“Together with our visionary partners, we are reshaping the way people travel and inspiring a future where efficiency, sustainability and innovation go hand in hand,” said Alison Trueblood, general manager of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies at Accelera. “By leveraging the capabilities of hydrogen-powered technology and our expertise in green hydrogen production, we’re driving innovation – providing zero-emission solutions for the urban mobility challenges today’s congested cities face.”

Accelera said it is committed to shaping a sustainable future where transportation connects people and preserves the environment.

Since 2018, Alstom trains have traveled more than 220,000 kilometers in eight European countries.

The Coradia iLint will transport passengers in Canada until the end of September. Visit the project’s website for routes and tickets.