China has unveiled a new hydrogen/supercapacitor train capable of reaching speeds of 100 mph (160 km/h), making it the fastest hydrogen-powered train to date. The train jointly developed by state-owned industrial giant CRRC (the world’s largest rail vehicle manufacturer) and Chengdu Rail Transit is China’s first hydrogen-powered train passenger train. It offers a range of 373 miles (600 kilometers) and emits nothing but water, making it a zero-emissions train. Here are the details…

One of the main features of this train is its autonomous driving capability, which is enabled by 5G communication technology. The train also has the ability to wake up, start, stop and return to the factory automatically. While Germany is currently the leader in hydrogen trains, with 14 in service, the CRRC trains are able to beat German trains at speeds of around 20 km/h (12 mph). However, German trains currently have a much greater range of around 620 miles (1,000 km).

It is worth noting that while Japan and South Korea have been the most vocal countries promoting green hydrogen as a transportation solution, China is currently leading the way in terms of actual hydrogen refueling station deployment. According to Information Trends statistics, there are only more than 1,000 hydrogen refueling stations In the world, about a third of them are in China.

The move by China is significant because the country, which controls much of the lithium battery supply chain, is now quietly developing hydrogen at top speed. Pushing for an electric revolution seems sensible as lithium crunch threatens to soar prices and thwart it Hydrogen alternatives are early.

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