World's first hydrogen tram runs in China

The China-made tram powered by hydrogen fuel cells is the first commercial hydrogen-powered tram in the world. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

A Chinese-produced tram powered by hydrogen fuel cells was put into commercial operation in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province on Thursday.

It is the first commercially-operated hydrogen-powered tram in the world and was manufactured by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Tangshan Co., Ltd.

The tram emits no pollutants, only water.

The China-made tram powered by hydrogen fuel cells is the first commercial hydrogen-powered tram in the world. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

The distance between carriage floor and the rail is only 35 centimeters thanks to the latest low-floor technology. This means station platforms are not required and boarding is easier for passengers.

It can be refilled with hydrogen in 15 minutes, and can run for up to 40 km at a maximum speed of 70 km per hour.

The China-made tram powered by hydrogen fuel cells is the first commercial hydrogen-powered tram in the world. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

The tram completed several trips on its first day of operation, carrying 300 passengers in total, CRRC Tangshan Co. Ltd. said Friday.

"The trip was quite comfortable, and I enjoyed the view from the windows," said Su, 31, a Tangshan resident.

The tram operates on a 136-year-old railway line in Tangshan, one of China's earliest industrial cities, and links several of its industrial heritage sites.