SWEDEN (Metro Rail News): Alstom, the french rolling stock company has won a 650m euros contract from Swedish national rail operator SJ to deliver 25 Zefiro Express electric high-speed trains. The contract also includes an option to supply additional 15 trains. These high-speed trains are estimated to be delivered in 2026. Zefiro Express trains can run at a top speed of 250km/h and are designed to function in extreme weather conditions such as temperatures below -40 degrees.
Zefiro Express will have 363 seats and comprises carriage width, electrical systems, and signalling systems that support operations both in Sweden and Denmark. Alstom Nordics managing director Rob Whyte said,” “Alstom is immensely proud to be delivering these new high-speed trains to SJ.”
“This is a historic agreement that will change the way passengers travel across the country. With concerns about climate change, high-speed rail is the primary alternative to air travel. It’s comfortable, convenient, and now very fast”, he added.
The Zefiro Express is part of Alstom’s Avelia platform. Meanwhile, Alstom collaborated with Engie to replace diesel-powered locomotives with hydrogen versions for European rail freight. According to the agreement, Alstom will develop a hydrogen solution based on a high-power fuel cell system, which can drive electric locomotives on non-electrified sections.
Engie will deliver the renewable hydrogen for this solution through the implementation of an innovative supply chain.
Alstom corporate strategy vice-president Raphaël Bernardelli said, “Our ambition is to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen power in the rail industry by developing innovative solutions that help green heavy-duty mobility operations like rail freight.”
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