First Hydrogen Train Hits the Rail for Test Run in Japan

Japan, one of the leading technically advanced countries in the world, is going to operate a hydrogen-powered train for the first time of its kind in a bid to achieve the nation’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2050.

On February 18, 2022, the authorities of the East Japan Railway unveiled the train before the people for the first time to make its mission successful.

The train, which is equipped with a two-car hydrogen fuel cell, has been named as Hydrogen-Hybrid Advanced Rail Vehicle for Innovation (HYBARI).

The speed of the train will be up to a maximum of 140 kilometers per hour and the use of advanced technology will no longer emit carbon dioxide from the train, according to the builders’ companies. You can also read more World’s Top 10 Fastest Trains.

Two renewed motor vehicle manufacturing companies — Toyota Motor and Hitachi — are jointly building the new model train with the cost of around $35 million.

The hybrid drive system was provided by Hitachi while Toyota Motor has developed the fuel cell system for the train. You can also read more Top 10 Largest Submarines in The World.

A hydrogen tank has been installed on the roof of the train by adapting an advanced technology and the hydrogen will come into contact with oxygen in the air and then its hydrogen fuel cell will generate electricity to run the train.

As a result, no carbon dioxide will be emitted from the train engine, according to the experts.

East Japan Railway authorities are expecting that they will go for a commercial run of the train from 2030.

Though the hydrogen-powered motor vehicles and passenger buses have already started running on Japan’s roads, the country’s law relevant does not allow trains to run of this kind. Read also Top 10 Best Destroyers in The World.

After ending the experimental run, the Japanese government will make a decision whether it will allow such a train or not.

Meanwhile, the East Japan Railway authorities have applied the government seeking its permission to run the hydrogen-powered train to make the government efforts to turn the country into a carbon natural by 2050.