InnoTrans 2024: Stadler's Hydrogen RS ZERO Set for Pilot in Thuringia

The Swiss rail vehicle manufacturer Stadler took a further step towards sustainable mobility today. Together with the Thuringian Ministry of Infrastructure and Agriculture (TMIL) and Erfurter Bahn, a declaration of intent was signed that envisages the use of the hydrogen prototype RS ZERO in Thuringia as part of a pilot project.

The signing ceremony took place at the InnoTrans trade fair in Berlin in the presence of Susanna Karawanskij, Thuringian Minister for Infrastructure and Agriculture, Michael Hecht, Managing Director of Erfurter Bahn, Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Division Germany, and Steffen Obst, Head of Sales at Stadler in Germany.

A milestone for Thuringia and the environment

Thuringia is sending a strong signal for climate protection: the state plans to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in local rail transport by the middle of the next decade and to replace the diesel vehicles currently in use with more environmentally friendly rail vehicles. The RS ZERO prototype exhibited at InnoTrans has a hydrogen drive that produces zero local emissions and was developed to be used on rail lines without overhead lines. This gives the vehicle the potential to replace existing diesel trains and make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in regional rail transport. TMIL is supporting the testing of the RS Zero prototype and will use the results to further develop the strategy for emission-free regional rail transport in Thuringia.

Minister Karawanskij is confident: "The RS ZERO could close an existing gap in the current portfolio of vehicle manufacturers as a successor to the Regio-Shuttle, and build on the performance of the Regio-Shuttle with its technical features. This opens up new perspectives for a more environmentally friendly regional rail transport system of the future."

Innovative technology for a greener future

The RS ZERO will be available with a hydrogen drive or as a battery-electric variant, providing a future-oriented solution for CO2-emission-free operation on non-electrified lines. With the creation of suitable infrastructure – such as hydrogen filling stations or charging islands – a technically optimised vehicle concept can be offered. Thanks to its lightweight construction and an axle load of under 18 tonnes, the RS ZERO is ideal for branch lines with low passenger demand, creating the possibility of economically attractive transport services.

Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Division Germany, emphasizes: "Thanks to the technological openness and the option of designing both a one-car or two-car vehicle, we can always offer our customers the right vehicle and make an important contribution to the transport transition."

Steffen Obst, Head of Sales at Stadler Division Germany, adds: "The RS ZERO continues the success story of the Regio-Shuttle RS1 – extremely high passenger comfort, a barrier-free design, and an environmentally friendly and powerful drive are the essential aspects for an attractive offer in local and regional transport."

Pioneering pilot project

Following on from the memorandum of understanding signed today, all three partners are aiming to establish a project partnership in the coming months. The pilot project involves the use of the prototype in trial operations with passengers, starting in mid-2026, on catenary-free lines in Thuringia. The trial operation will ensure that the RS ZERO meets the requirements of passengers and the operational, technical, and economic expectations of the railway companies.

Michael Hecht, Managing Director of the Erfurt Railway, says: "We are pleased to be able to test this new technology in real-life operation, under the challenging topographical conditions that certainly exist in Thuringia, and we expect it to fill a gap in terms of the requirements for branch lines as well."

Source: Stadler Press Releases