Alstom achieved a milestone with the launch of the Coradia iLint hydrogen train in Quebec on 17 June 2023. This historic journey marked the first time a hydrogen train operated in North America and demonstrated the potential of hydrogen propulsion in the region. The Coradia iLint, powered by fuel cells supplied by Accelera by Cummins, began its first commercial service on the Réseau de Charlevoix rail network, covering a 90-kilometer route between Parc de la Chute-Montmorency in Quebec City and Baie-Saint-Paul. The train uses green hydrogen produced by Harnois Énergies at its Quebec City plant, making it a zero-direct emissions mode of transport.
The Coradia iLint, which debuted in Germany in 2018, has already accumulated more than 220,000 kilometers of travel across eight European countries. Currently, the Coradia iLint operates commercially on two different networks in Germany. This environmentally friendly train operates silently and emits only water vapor, offering a quieter and cleaner travel experience. Notably, the Coradia iLint achieved a record-breaking distance of 1,175 kilometers without refueling on September 15, 2022. With a top speed of 140 km/h, acceleration, and braking performance similar to standard regional diesel trains, the Coradia iLint showcases its innovative features such as clean energy conversion, flexible energy storage in batteries, smart traction, and energy management.
"Hydrogen technology offers an alternative to diesel and demonstrates our ability to provide more sustainable mobility solutions to our customers, agencies and operators, as well as passengers. It will also provide an extraordinary showcase for Quebec’s green hydrogen ecosystem, which is under development,” said Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas.
The launch of the Coradia iLint in Quebec also marks the creation of Alstom's innovation center for sustainable mobility solutions in the Americas. Located in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec, the center will focus on the development of future hybrid, battery, or green hydrogen platforms tailored to the North American market. Drawing on the expertise of more than 700 Alstom engineers already based in the city, the center aims to accelerate the decarbonization of the rail sector.
