The French regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Burgundy-Franche-Comté, Grand Est and Occitanie are launching the first order for hybrid electric-hydrogen trains in France. This order is a historic step in reducing carbon emissions in the railway industry, for the benefit of passengers and the regions concerned, as well as in the development of the hydrogen-based ecosystem and a promising railway industry for the future.

Acting on behalf of the four regions, SNCF Voyageurs placed an order with Alstom for the first 12 dual-power hydrogen trains (plus two optional units) in the Coradia Polyvalent range for Régiolis, developed by Alstom. The contract is worth a total of almost 190 million euros. This innovation marks a real revolution in railway mobility. Being a first in France, this contract will help achieve the energy transition goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution, an ambition supported by the French government through its hydrogen adoption plan launched in June 2018.

The Coradia Polyvalent train equipped with dual power supply meets the requirements of the French railway network and has a range of up to 600 km on non-electrified sections. The train, with four wagons and a length of 72 meters, has a total capacity of 218 seats and has the same dynamic performance and comfort level as the hybrid electric-diesel version.