Review: Stadler RS ZERO HEMU Hydrogen Train for Regional Routes

Stadler unveiled its RS ZERO HEMU hydrogen train in a world premiere at the InnoTrans exhibition. The blue-green unit is designed for regional routes with lower traffic volumes, particularly those without overhead power lines or sections that lack electrification. The RS ZERO is available as either a single-car or two-car unit.

The single-car HEMU1, showcased at the exhibition, offers either 63 or 59 seats, though Stadler also provides a 75-seat version without a restroom. The two-car HEMU2 version has 150 seats, or 163 without a restroom. The train’s maximum speed is 120 km/h, and Stadler offers a similar battery-powered version, the RS ZERO BEMU.

Boarding the Stadler RS ZERO HEMU

The train features double-leaf doors with a 130 cm wide opening, operated by pressing a green button. The doors lead to the low-floor section, while both ends of the car, where the seats are located, are accessible via three steps up.

The unit is equipped for cyclists, passengers with strollers, and wheelchair users, though the doors lack clear symbols indicating the designated areas for these groups. This minor oversight is likely something a customer would customize.

Stadler RS ZERO HEMU: A Workspace on Wheels

We began our tour at the front of the car, climbing three steps to the seating area, only to find an unexpected layout. Instead of traditional seats, there are benches arranged in semi-private compartments, resembling an office setup. The benches are positioned in various directions—some face forward, others are perpendicular to the train’s direction. The arrangement feels unconventional at first, and visitors were eager to try it out.

This section is clearly designed for passengers who want to work. The benches feature large wooden tables that can be extended with fold-out sections. Power outlets (230V and USB) are conveniently placed directly on the table in front of each passenger. The compartments are separated by high wooden dividers with partially textile surfaces, offering privacy.

Some benches are arranged for face-to-face seating with a small fold-out table by the window. Others resemble workstations, where passengers sit facing the window on individual chairs with a table fixed to the window. Overhead shelves are transparent and include hooks for coats. A screen in the compartment displays real-time travel information.

The windows lack shades, which could be problematic in bright sunlight, both for temperature control and screen visibility. However, the slanted window design adds a cool, dynamic aesthetic to the interior.

The Low-Floor Section

The low-floor section features traditional seating arrangements, with pairs of seats equipped with foldable armrests. Power outlets are located between the seats at floor level, and the seats can be folded into a vertical position to create additional space, for instance, for luggage.

For passengers sitting in groups of four (two facing two), there is a small table by the window, just large enough for two phones. Beneath the table is a mini trash bin, reminiscent of the metal ashtrays found in older trains.

Traveling with Bicycles and Strollers on Stadler RS ZERO HEMU

In the low-floor section, there is a spacious area for bicycles, strollers, or standing passengers, considering the train’s size. The absence of internal partitions makes it easier to maneuver with bicycles or strollers and generally speeds up boarding and exiting.

On one side of the car, there are fold-down seats with bike holders in between. You can sit down and place your bike diagonally in front of you, hooking the front wheel into a holder. This design is quite innovative, though as a passenger, I would appreciate instructions or markings on the floor for guidance.

Opposite, across the aisle, there is a perching bar, where strollers can be parked. When the train is crowded, standing passengers can lean comfortably against the bar.

The bicycle and stroller area leads directly into the regular seating section, followed by the restroom. However, if you need to pass through the aisle with a stroller to reach the restroom, the aisle width of only 57 cm is a limitation. Parents will need to carry their baby bag in hand.

Personally, I would add a transparent partition between the seating area and the bicycle/stroller area to block cold drafts during winter when doors open at each stop. However, the open space creates a sense of roominess and airiness.

Traveling in a Wheelchair on Stadler RS ZERO HEMU

The low-floor section also includes a dedicated space for wheelchair users, located in the seating area. A wheelchair user must board through the second set of doors and navigate a 90 cm wide aisle past the restroom to reach their spot. The area is equipped with essential call buttons to request assistance when disembarking. The boarding ramp is folded against the wall in the aisle.

The Restroom on Stadler RS ZERO HEMU

The restroom is spacious and well-suited for wheelchair users and includes a fold-down changing table for parents with children. The interior features the classic white design, with a long sink extending under the hand dryer. All operations are button-controlled. The restroom doors open into the boarding area, where there are no seats, providing ample space for maneuvering with a wheelchair or stroller before entering.

Benches at the Front of the Stadler RS ZERO HEMU

At the train’s other end, after climbing three steps, you’ll find a narrow passage (57 cm wide) equipped with handrails placed intuitively. Upstairs, instead of traditional seats, there are benches with a textile finish, resembling something you’d see in a kitchen or dining room. These are corner benches that can accommodate up to seven passengers without armrests. Two power outlets for electronics are located under the bench.

Across the aisle are benches for two, positioned in the train’s direction of travel. These have armrests only on the window and aisle sides. Below, there is a single power outlet, while the window features a small, fold-out table, just large enough for coffee or a phone. These taller benches include headrests for added comfort.

Conclusion: The Stadler RS ZERO HEMU Experience

The low-floor section is optimized for quick passenger turnover, featuring two double-leaf doors, an open layout with no unnecessary partitions, and ample space for cyclists, strollers, and wheelchair users. It also accommodates standing passengers for short trips, aligning with the trend of blurring the lines between regional trains, commuter trains, and metro designs.

However, the seating feels somewhat basic, and the benches in the train’s front section feel particularly cheap. According to promotional materials shown on the onboard screens, the interior layout is customizable, meaning customers can adjust the design to their preferences.

In this unit, I noticed a new method of securing bicycles. Bikes are no longer hung vertically, a change driven by the weight of modern bikes, the trend toward wider tires, and the difficulty of lifting bikes in crowded trains.

If you’re over 180 cm tall and traveling in the upper sections, be cautious of the low, metal ceiling. However, the overhead shelves are thoughtfully designed, avoiding the head-bumping issues common in other train designs.

As for the “office-style” layout at the front of the train, I’m undecided. It’s something I’d need to experience in real-world conditions to truly evaluate.