Siemens is partnering up with Canadian manufacturer Ballard Power Systems to develop a fuel-cell engine for its new Mireo train platform.
The two companies have signed a Development Agreement to produce a 200 kilowatt fuel-cell engine to power a Mireo multiple unit.
The first fuel-cell-powered Mireo could be running by 2021, Siemens and Ballard have announced.
The modular Mireo platform is built around a lightweight aluminium shell which, Siemens says, will reduce its energy consumption by up to 25 per cent.
Sabrina Soussan, chief executive of the Siemens Mobility Division, said: “Our cooperation with Ballard is a decisive step towards replacing diesel-powered rail vehicles with emissions-free vehicles in the long-term interests of sustainable and climate-friendly mobility.
“We want to be able to offer our customers flexible train solutions for various suburban routes, which vary according to regional conditions and technical possibilities.”
Randy MacEwen, Ballard president and CEO, said: “We are seeing rapid market demand growing for clean energy fuel-cell technology in a range of Heavy Duty Motive applications, including trains, trams, transit buses and commercial trucks.”
