The State of California is determined to retain its status as a leader in clean transportation in the United States and the world, and the order of another six zero-emission hydrogen-fueled trains to service the intercity lines proves it. A $127 million agreement has been finalized with Stadler Rail, Inc. to supply Caltrans with the additional trainset units, which brings the total number of hydrogen trains on order to 10.
Caltrans announces $127 million agreement for 6 more hydrogen trains
Caltrans’s original order was for four hydrogen-powered trainsets, set to be the first of their kind in North America. The switchover to green energy systems is now being boosted by an additional six, and the fleet will facilitate California’s adaptation to climate change with zero-emission passenger rail systems.
Caltrans’ decision to purchase the first trainsets was made just one day before the US Department of Energy announced that California would receive up to $1.2 billion as one of the country’s hydrogen hubs to accelerate the development and deployment of clean renewable hydrogen.
Rail operations are set to begin in 2027
The first four of the hydrogen trains on order, which are designed to be more efficient, lightweight, and affordable than traditional sets, are expected to enter revenue service in 2027.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s $10 billion, multiyear zero-emission vehicle package is funding the trains. Of this, $407 million was set aside for the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) to buy or lease the latest rail and bus infrastructure or equipment.
It appears that Elon Musk’s unrealistic vision for a Hyperloop train system is being dismissed in favor of the more practical hydrogen-powered option.
California’s intercity rail system is about to level up with green fuel
The Valley Rail service is currently in development, which is an expansion of the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) and Amtrak San Joaquins services. The new trains will operate along a route between Merced and Sacramento and will eventually connect with the first section of California’s high-speed rail operations. Demonstrations are also planned along other routes in the state in coordination with regional and intercity partners.
The details of the deal between Caltrans and Stadler are open, as the contract that was signed in 2023 is based on an option to order another 19 hydrogen trainsets in the future.
Toks Omishakin, California Transportation Secretary, spoke on the positivity of the move to hydrogen-powered trains:
“California continues to lead the way to a cleaner, more connected transportation system. By expanding our fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger trainsets, we are showing we are serious about deploying innovative and sustainable transportation options for the people of this state.”
Caltrans Director Tony Tavares echoed the sentiments:
“These clean-energy trains are the future. California is building a climate-resilient transportation system that will help every community move around the state in a safe and sustainable way.”
California is a beacon for other transport systems to follow
Stadler Rail Inc., the company supplying the new trains, is using its Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train (FLIRT) concept in the new units. This is an extension of the technology that the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority utilized to develop self-powered multiple-unit trains using zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells without the need for a separate locomotive. Stadler Chief Executive Officer Martin Ritter emphasized the company’s commitment to the Californian rail partnership:
“We are very proud to be providing additional hydrogen trains to the California State Transportation Agency and Caltrans. With our multiple units, we are jointly driving the decarbonization of rail transportation in the US. We thank CalSTA and Caltrans for their trust and look forward to deepening our partnership.”
While California continues to build momentum in its efforts to shift to renewable power, another plan is in the works involving innovative solar-powered trains.
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