Today, Talgo initiated the dynamic tests of its dual Vittal-One renewable hydrogen train at its factory in Las Matas, Madrid, which is a key milestone in applying hydrogen to the railway. These tests carried out in a laboratory train named TPH2, seek to ensure the correct functionality of the main composition systems developed in previous stages and to check the train’s traction with batteries and hydrogen, that is, to validate hydrogen technology in motion, applied to the railway sector. In this first phase, Repsol will provide the infrastructure for generating renewable hydrogen and supplying the energy to power the train.

In a second phase of the dynamic tests, Talgo and Repsol will validate the technology on a general track, first in the surroundings of Madrid and then in Extremadura.

The TPH2 test train consists of a Talgo Travca multi-system locomotive designed as a prototype vehicle capable of changing various gauges and adapting to various electrification voltages. It consists of five cars equipped with hydrogen fuel cell and battery technology and a laboratory car to control and analyse the test results.

In the words of Carlos Palacio Oriol, President of Talgo: “This is a fundamental milestone for Talgo and for the Spanish railway, which today sees the start of dynamic testing of the first hydrogen train in Spain. The Vittal One will facilitate emission-free mobility in the country, linking provinces, cities and towns, as part of Talgo’s commitment to helping operators decarbonise the railway network”.
The exterior design of the TPH2 train was the winner of the Talgo TPH2 Train Exterior Design Competition, created by a group of students from the Degree in Industrial Design and Product Development Engineering at the University Centre of Mérida, part of the University of Extremadura.

Vittal One green hydrogen self-propelled train 

The Vittal One dual hydrogen train is Talgo’s commitment to sustainable mobility in the short and medium radius. It is based on the Talgo Vittal technology platform for Cercanías and Media Distancia, adding hydrogen traction, which will be produced with 100% renewable energy sources. Therefore, it is the perfect solution to replace diesel traction and decarbonise those railway lines that are not electrified by a catenary.

The system is complemented by batteries that increase the power available when starting, taking advantage of the train’s braking to recharge, further proof of the sustainability of this type of train.
It will be designed to run at a maximum speed of 220 km/h in electric mode and 160 km/h in hydrogen mode. The hydrogen fuel cell will consume only 0.25 kg/km and give the train a range of 800 km without electrification.

About Talgo

Talgo S.A. is the leading company in the design, manufacture, and maintenance of high-speed light rail trains with an industrial presence in seven countries: Spain, Germany, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States. The Company is recognised worldwide for its capacity for innovation, unique and distinctive technology, and reliability. Talgo is Renfe’s main supplier of high and very high-speed trains and the supplier of trains in the high-speed project for the “Haramain” railway line between Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. Talgo is also the manufacturer chosen by the German operator Deutsche Bahn and the Danish operator DSB to decarbonise their network with Talgo 230 long-distance trains.
For more information
Media contact:
Aída Prados and Esther Almendros
Mail: talgo@estudiodecomunicacion.com
Phone: +34 91 576 52 50