The CINOVA H2 New Energy Intelligent Intercity Train, launched by CRRC Corporation Limited, has been designed to offer eco-friendly and smart transportation solutions.
BERLIN—As countries continue to look for new ways to reduce carbon emissions, two groundbreaking trains have been introduced at InnoTrans 2024, an international trade fair for transport technology. The CINOVA H2 New Energy Intelligent Intercity Train and the Autonomous Rapid Transit 2.0, launched by CRRC Corporation Limited, have been designed to offer eco-friendly and smart transportation solutions. The CINOVA H2 is a zero-carbon passenger train powered by hydrogen which generates electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen, producing only water as a byproduct, ensuring zero carbon emissions throughout the train’s operation.

With an estimated annual operation of 300,000 kilometers, each train can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 730 tons annually.

"Its design emphasizes a green and sustainable approach," said technical expert Liang Caiguo. "The water emitted from the hydrogen fuel cell reaction is purified and recycled to meet passengers’ water needs. Additionally, the waste heat from cooling the hydrogen fuel cell is repurposed for heating the air conditioning system during winter."

Electric trains continue to gain momentum in the United States, however, significant infrastructure changes must be made to accommodate the next generation of trains. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), electrified rail is currently used on less than 1 percent of U.S. railroad tracks. At the same time, electricity supplies more than one-third of the energy that powers trains globally.

Some of the nation’s rail lines have been converted to electric power in the United States, including Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and Harrisburg, PA, line, but the rest of passenger rail and all freight rail is diesel-powered. 

“To avoid the worst effects of climate change, prioritizing the reduction of fossil fuel use is necessary, and that includes transitioning away from diesel fuel. Such a transition will be expensive and time-consuming, but that doesn't make it any less essential,” said Richard Nunno, a former EESI senior policy fellow.

The new CINOVA H2 train can reach a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour, with a four-car formation carrying over 1,000 passengers. It has a continuous running range of 1,200 kilometers at 160 km/h, exceeding the distance from Berlin to London, consuming less than 0.3 grams of hydrogen per passenger per kilometer.

Meanwhile, ART 2.0, combines green technology with oriental aesthetics, providing both a stunning visual experience and top-tier performance, according to Dr. Xiao Lei, an engineer from CRRC. 

The train is designed for medium-to-low passenger volumes, and the ART blends the benefits of trams and road-based vehicles, adapting to the needs of urban transportation. The ART employs rubber wheels and virtual tracks, eliminating the need for tracks and catenary that reduces track construction and maintenance costs.

"The ART 2.0 embraces versatility in power sources, accommodating fast-charging lithium batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen energy and overhead catenary systems tailored to diverse operational needs," said Dr. Lei. “The hydrogen-fuelled ART 2.0 boasts a maximum driving range of 500 kilometers. Its rapid charging capability is also impressive, adding 20 kilometers of range in just 5 minutes."

Globally, China has built nine ART lines, traversing more than 15 million kilometers, accommodating more than 35 million passengers, and cutting carbon emissions by over 24,500 tons. ART systems have also been deployed in the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.

Meanwhile, electric train projects received White House approval in 2023 in Las Vegas and California. These new lines will reduce carbon emissions and take millions of cars off the road in these regions.