A hydrogen-powered urban train runs on a test track in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, on March 21, 2024. (PHOTO: XINHUA)

By Tang Zhexiao

China's first self-developed hydrogen-powered urban train completedoperational tests on March 21 in Changchun, Jilin province in northeast China, marking a breakthrough in the hydrogen application in rail transition.

On a test track, it achieved a full-system, full-scenario and multi-level performance verification at a speed of 160 km per hour.

The train, developed by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles, uses a hybrid power supply scheme to improve energy efficiency. Its hydrogen energy propulsion system provides a strong and long-lasting power source.

Test data showed that the average energy consumption per kilometer of the train is only 5kWh/km, and and the maximum cruising range is more than 1,000 kilometers.

The actual performance of the hydrogen train at -25℃ to 35℃ ambient temperature has been verified by researchers, and all the test results meet the design requirements.