The world record journey began on the evening of 20 March 2024, when the train set off for its first laps around the test track at the ENSCO test centre in Pueblo, Colorado. The team of engineers from Stadler and ENSCO continued to drive the vehicle in shifts throughout the night and the following day, completing the successful attempt at 5:23 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on 22 March (12:23 a.m. Central European Time on 23 March). In total, the train travelled 2,803 kilometres for more than 46 hours on one tank filling.
Ansgar Brockmeyer, EVP of Marketing and Sales at Stadler explained: "This world record establishes the ideal performance range of our hydrogen version of the best-selling FLIRT Electric Multiple Unit, the FLIRT H2. This is a monumental achievement from our entire team and we are very proud to hold another record title."
Martin Ritter, CEO Stadler US Inc. said: "Stadler is consistently focusing on the future of rail transportation with alternative drive systems by continuously developing innovative technologies. By using hydrogen as a clean energy source, we are actively contributing to environmental protection and shaping the sustainable and zero emission travel of tomorrow."
Stadler's FLIRT H2 now officially holds the world record for the longest distance travelled by a hydrogen-powered passenger train without refuelling or recharging. The FLIRT H2 for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is Stadler's second Guinness World Records winning alternative propulsion train. In December 2021, the FLIRT Akku, the battery-powered FLIRT model, will set the world record for the longest journey with a battery-powered railcar in pure battery mode, covering 224 kilometres in Germany.
