Vossloh Rolling Stock and duisport rail have introduced the Modula BFC, a new battery-hydrogen fuel cell locomotive, as part of their ongoing collaboration. This locomotive is designed to address the growing demand for sustainable solutions in rail freight transport, utilizing hydrogen technology for emission reduction. The Modula BFC is set to be deployed at the Duisburg Gateway Terminal (DGT), a combined transport hub that operates with a focus on climate neutrality, thanks to a photovoltaic system and hydrogen infrastructure.
Developed in close cooperation with the parent company CRRC ZELC, which has experience in hydrogen fuel cell technology, the Modula BFC represents a step toward greener mobility. The locomotive's development overcame several technical challenges, including optimizing the carbon fibre tanks, system pressure, and shock sensitivity, ensuring the locomotive’s reliability and safety in operation.
Equipped with an intelligent train control management system (TCMS), the Modula BFC gathers and analyzes data from over 100 sensors, enabling condition-based maintenance and fleet management through a cloud-based platform. This system is designed for flexibility, allowing the locomotive to be upgraded with new features in the future, including autonomous train operation and other digital advancements.
The introduction of the Modula BFC signals Vossloh Rolling Stock's commitment to developing low-emission solutions for rail freight, with the hydrogen-powered locomotive set to play a role in reducing the carbon footprint of rail operations at the Duisburg Gateway Terminal and beyond.
Other alternatives within the Modula platform include:
- BDD – small battery and two diesel engines
- EDD – electric and two diesel engines
- EBB – electric and two larger batteries
a variety of drive systems designed to meet different operational needs. These alternatives offer flexibility in energy sourcing, such as battery-electric, diesel-electric, and hybrid configurations, providing operators with options tailored for specific tasks, from shunting operations to heavy goods transport.
