Russia's hydrogen train project, launched in 2019, has entered a crucial advancement phase. Jointly led by Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, Russian Railways, and the government of the Sakhalin Oblast, the initiative plans to debut its first operational trains on Sakhalin Island before expanding to other regions across the country. Transmashholding (TMH), Russia's leading railway equipment manufacturer, recently released renderings of the nation's first hydrogen fuel cell passenger train, drawing industry attention with its distinctive design and technical specifications.
In terms of exterior design, the train is positioned around the core concept of "innovation and dynamism," featuring a streamlined body, sharp-edged front windscreen, and highly recognizable light panels that deliver strong visual impact. The color scheme primarily uses blue, gray, and black, accented with bright red for contrast, while overlapping geometric patterns and clean lines enhance a sense of speed and movement. Evgeny Maslov, Chief Designer at TMH, noted that the design team strictly adhered to the company's "brand DNA" principles, pursuing modern aesthetic expression while conveying the environmental philosophy of railway transportation through details, demonstrating a commitment to ecological responsibility.
Regarding technical configuration and flexibility, the train offers two modular configurations: a two-car version consisting of two end cars and a booster unit integrated with a power plant and energy storage system; and a three-car version adding an intermediate car alongside the booster unit. Both configurations can be flexibly combined and controlled uniformly from the front cab, adapting to varying passenger volume demands. In terms of range, the two-car model achieves a hydrogen-powered range of 725 km, extended to 800 km with the energy storage system; the three-car version reaches 487 km on hydrogen, supplemented by 40 km from storage, totaling 527 km—fully meeting the needs of suburban transportation scenarios.
For practicality and inclusivity, the train accommodates 551 to 875 passengers and is equipped with dedicated accessibility facilities to support travelers with reduced mobility. As a key practice of Russia's hydrogen energy development strategy, the train not only represents an eco-friendly transportation option but also leverages Russia's abundant natural gas resources to provide an application scenario for low-carbon hydrogen production and utilization. According to the plan, the first two hydrogen trains will enter suburban service on Sakhalin Island and other regions in 2026. Concurrently, Sakhalin will build supporting small-scale hydrogen production facilities and refueling stations, and establish a talent development center in collaboration with local universities, forming a complete ecosystem integrating "vehicle operation, infrastructure, and talent support".
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