Besides unveiling its hydrogen-powered FLIRT H2 multiple units for American passenger transport, Stadler will be displaying other vehicles including the world record-breaking battery-powered FLIRT train, the EURO9000 model, which is the most powerful hybrid locomotive in Europe, and the next-generation TINA tram. In addition, visitors to Stadler’s exhibition stand at InnoTrans 2022 will gain a comprehensive insight into the company’s innovative solutions in the fields of rail vehicle construction, service, and signaling technology.
Some examples of new vehicles
The FLIRT H2 multiple units for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is the first hydrogen-powered passenger train for the USA and is instrumental in bringing zero-emission rail technology to the USA. The FLIRT H2 multiple units are intended for passenger service for the Redlands Passenger Rail Project in California. The Redlands Passenger Rail Project is a 14-kilometer link between Redlands and the San Bernardino Metrolink station. The FLIRT H2 vehicle consists of two cars and a middle section referred to as the “PowerPack”. This holds the fuel cells and the hydrogen tanks. In the “PowerPack”, hydrogen is converted into electric current, which is stored in a traction battery. The battery then supplies the vehicle’s drive system, HVAC system, and other comfort facilities with power. In this configuration, the train can also recover kinetic energy when braking, so this can also be re-used to drive the train. The train can seat 108 passengers and offers plenty of additional standing room. It can reach a maximum speed of 130 kilometers per hour (79 mph).
Stadler’s two-car battery-powered FLIRT train is the first series-produced multiple units for the first decarbonised, non-electrified rail network in Germany. Designed for non-electrified or only partially electrified routes, the battery-powered FLIRT vehicle is extremely versatile. The batteries can be charged while the train is travelling under overhead contact lines as well as at electrified stops. Charging is also possible with standardised UIC preheating devices. In addition, kinetic energy is recovered during braking. This means that this latest generation of battery vehicles can be used much more flexibly than the traditional battery trains that have characterised railway operations for generations. During a track test, Stadler set the world record of 224 kilometres travelled in battery operation with the battery-powered FLIRT prototype. The 46-metre-long multiple units have 124 seats as well as two spacious and fully accessible multifunctional zones for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles. The entirely air-conditioned and step-free regional vehicles have bright, spacious passenger compartments and are equipped with a wheelchair-accessible toilet. 55 battery-electric FLIRT multiple units are included in the order that Nahverkehrsverbund Schleswig-Holstein GmbH (NAH.SH) awarded to Stadler in 2019 as part of the first open-technology tender ever organised in Germany for traction vehicles with alternative drive technologies.
HEAG Mobilo GmbH ordered 14 trams of the latest TINA model from Stadler in January 2020 and went on to exercise an option for a further 11 vehicles in 2021. TINA is the German acronym for “total integrated low-floor drive”. For the first time, this integrated drive allows a completely new interior concept to be adopted without steps and seat boxes above the drives, offering passengers previously unknown levels of comfort. With a length of 43 meters, the five-car unidirectional vehicle offers space for 272 passengers, with seats for 101 of them. The optimized passenger compartment allows unrestricted access to the seats from every vehicle door. Large panoramic windows provide a clear view and, together with the high ceiling, create a feeling of spaciousness. The tram is fully equipped with modern HVAC systems that use the natural coolant CO2. This means that they have the lowest possible ozone depletion potential as well as the lowest global warming potential. A driver assistance system with traffic sign recognition also increases vehicle transport safety. The new trams will start passenger service in autumn 2023.
Stadler is presenting the latest and most innovative locomotive for rail freight transport in Europe at InnoTrans 2022 in the form of the EURO9000 model. The six-axle locomotives are TSI compliant and have been ordered with multi-system configurations for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium (15 kV + 25 kV AC and 1.5 kV + 3 kV DC). The vehicles are intended for use on the main European rail corridors and are fitted with ETCS and a radio remote control system as standard. The modular design of the EURO9000 vehicle allows up to three different drive systems to be installed together: electric drive, diesel drive with two energy-saving 950 kW engines, and batteries enabling environmentally friendly operation on non-electrified routes. Thanks to a power range of up to 9 MW and an outstanding tractive force of up to 500 kN, operation with just one locomotive will be possible in many situations that currently require two standard locomotives. Rail operators will benefit from a higher payload and lower traction costs as a result. The EURO9000 is versatile, economical, and environmentally friendly, combining energy efficiency, performance, and reliability, resulting in optimal lifecycle costs and increasing the long-term cost efficiency of rail operations. ELP is Stadler’s first customer to opt for the new EURO9000 model. ELP has ordered 30 EURO9000 electric locomotives from Stadler since May 2019. The vehicles are part of a framework agreement between Stadler and ELP for at least 100 locomotives and are leased by ELP to rail freight companies from various countries. The locomotive on display will be operated by the Dutch freight operator Rail Force One, the first railway company to lease the EURO9000 vehicle from ELP.
The British rail operator Transport for Wales ordered 35 FLIRT multiple units from Stadler in January 2019. Of these, 24 trains have a trimodal drive and can be operated fully electrically under overhead contact lines, electrically by battery, or in hybrid mode with a diesel drive. The diesel drive is only intended for exceptional use; the regular operation should be entirely electric. The fleet of trimodal FLIRT vehicles consists of 7 three-car and 17 four-car trains. The vehicles comply with the latest TSI standards and have been designed specifically to meet the requirements of Transport for Wales and the local infrastructure. The low-floor design allows level access at every door, making it easier and faster for passengers to get on and off. The ergonomically designed seats increase passenger comfort and are all fitted with a power outlet. All trains are equipped with air conditioning, storage areas for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and bicycles, as well as passenger information systems and Wi-Fi. The first trimodal FLIRT vehicles are currently completing test journeys and are scheduled to start passenger service before the end of the year.
