The train was shown at Stadler’s commissioning centre in Erlen, Switzerland, and forms part of a framework agreement covering ten vehicles for regional and local services in Sardinia.
The trains are expected to operate on the routes Alghero Airport – Mamuntanas, Sassari – Alghero and Sassari – Sorso. Before entering service, they will undergo testing in line with requirements set by Italy’s rail safety authority ANSFISA.
The propulsion system combines hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen tanks and traction batteries. The equipment is concentrated in the central Power Pack car, where hydrogen is converted into electricity. This energy is used both to power the train and to recharge its traction batteries, allowing operation on non-electrified narrow-gauge lines.
ARST plans to fuel the trains with hydrogen produced entirely from solar energy. The related production facilities are currently under development, with the aim of creating a system covering both renewable hydrogen production and zero-emission train operation.
According to Stadler and ARST, the ten trains are expected to reduce annual CO₂ emissions by more than 2,100 tonnes compared with diesel operation.
The vehicles have been designed with a low axle load and lightweight structure to meet the requirements of Italy’s narrow-gauge infrastructure. They will offer low-floor access, air conditioning and panoramic windows.
Stadler is also building nine hydrogen trains for Ferrovie della Calabria and two for Ferrovia Circumetnea in Sicily. All vehicles for the three Italian regions will be manufactured in Bussnang, Switzerland.
