World's first hydrogen tram rolls off assembly line

The world's first tram powered by hydrogen energy rolls off the production line at a CSR Qingdao Sifang Co plant in Qingdao, Shandong province. This is the first time that hydrogen energy has been applied in the tram manufacturing. China has also become the first country worldwide to possess the technology to make hydrogen-fueled streetcars. (Photo/Xinhua)

World's first hydrogen-powered tramcar rolled off the assembly line in Qingdao on Thursday.

Liang Jianying, chief engineer of Sifang Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of China South Rail Corporation (CSR), said the new tram is the only hydrogen powered vehicle in the field, and makes China the only country in the world to have mastered the technology.

Hydrogen fuel cells are a new clean energy source, widely used in the automobile industry, but lagging behind in the field of rail transit.

"It took two years for Sifang to solve key technological problems, with the help of research institutions," Liang said.

The tram can be refilled with hydrogen in three minutes and can then run for 100 km at speeds as high as 70 km per hour.

"The average distance of tramcar lines in China is about 15 km, which means one refill for our tram is enough for three round trips," Liang said, adding the overall running costs will be greatly reduced.

No nitrogen oxides will be produced as the temperature of the reaction inside the fuel cell is controlled under 100 degrees Celsius. Water will be the tram's only emission, Liang said.

Each tram has over 60 seats and can carry more than 380 passengers.