Stadler revealed that its Flirt H2 has been entered into the Guinness World Records database for the longest distance of 1,741.7 miles achieved by a pilot hydrogen fuel cell electric multiple unit passenger train without refueling or recharging. Stadler introduced the Flirt H2 to the public for the first time at InnoTrans 2022 in Berlin. The company said a significant number of detailed solutions were developed to integrate fuel cells and hydrogen storage systems into the modern Flirt commuter train product line. These solutions were tested first in Switzerland and more recently on a dedicated test ring in Colorado in the US.
“This world record establishes the ideal performance range of our hydrogen version of the Flirt Electric Multiple Unit, the Flirt H2,” Dr. Ansgar Brockmeyer, EVP of marketing and sales at Stadler, said. “This is a monumental achievement from our entire team and we are very proud to hold another record title.”
On March 20, the train set out for its first laps around the test track. The team of engineers from Stadler and ENSCO continued driving the vehicle in shifts throughout the night and the following day and concluded the successful attempt at 5.23 p.m. (MST) on March 22. The train traveled 1,741.7 miles for over 46 hours on one tank filling. The record attempt was made at the ENSCO test center in Pueblo, Colorado, where the vehicle had undergone its type test procedure. Detailed records before, during and after the world record attempt were kept to ensure precise and transparent evidence was established, Stadler said.
In December 2021, the Flirt Akku, the battery-powered Flirt model, set the world record for the longest journey with a battery multiple unit in pure battery mode, covering 224 kilometers (139 miles) in Germany.
