The world's first ever hydrogen-powered train has just been launched for commercial use in Germany, signaling yet another victory in the shift towards sustainability.

The Coradia iLint passenger train, which was developed by rail transport company Alstom, can travel 600 miles (1,000km) on a single tank of hydrogen. Using special fuel cells, the trains generate energy through a combination of hydrogen and oxygen, with excess energy stored in lithium ion batteries.

Though they have the same range as diesel-powered trains, they produce no greenhouse gas emissions and they are cheaper to run than their fossil fuel counterparts.

"This zero-emission train emits low levels of noise, with exhaust being only steam and condensed water," says Alstom. "The iLint is special for its combination of different innovative elements: clean energy conversion, flexible energy storage in batteries, and smart management of traction power and available energy.

"Specifically designed for operation on non-electrified lines, it enables clean, sustainable train operation while ensuring high levels of performance."

Two of the Coradia iLint trains will be managing a 62-mile stretch of railway in Lower Saxony, Germany. With several more provinces expressing interest in the eco-friendly transit, Alstom says that they expect to launch 14 more of the zero-emission trains within the next few years.

Power Up With Positivity And Share The Good News With Your Friends – Photo by Alstom