Alstom And Cummins Make A Deal On Hydrogen Rail Technology
I asked Google AI about this deal and receive this reply.
On April 2, 2026, Alstom announced the acquisition of Cummins’ hydrogen fuel cell activities specifically dedicated to the rail sector. This strategic move brings the technology and manufacturing capabilities for Alstom’s Coradia iLint hydrogen trains in-house, following a period where Cummins looked to wind down its wider hydrogen business amid losses in its Accelera energy transition segment.
Here are the key details of the deal:
Scope of the Acquisition
Fuel Cell Technology In-House: Alstom acquired the engineering, product, and support capabilities for the fuel cells used in its existing hydrogen train fleets, specifically the Coradia iLint.
Manufacturing Facilities: The deal includes the transfer of Cummins’ fuel cell manufacturing and assembly site in Herten, Germany, which has been producing for Alstom since 2021.
Targeted Support: The acquisition allows Alstom to strengthen its ability to maintain, improve, and provide support for existing hydrogen fleets in Germany, Italy, and France.
Context and Strategy
Securing Supply Chain: After facing maintenance issues with the fuel cells, which previously required sourcing parts from North America, this move gives Alstom direct control over its key technology.
Strategic Pivot: While Cummins moves to pivot away from the wider hydrogen market following losses in its Accelera unit, Alstom continues to focus on hydrogen as a critical solution for replacing diesel trains on non-electrified, long-haul lines.
Commitment to Hydrogen: Despite a 2025 announcement by Alstom that it would pause “further development” of new hydrogen technology due to funding cuts, this acquisition proves that the company remains committed to supporting and enhancing its current, contracted hydrogen train programs.
Future Impact
Reliability Improvements: Alstom plans to leverage this acquisition to accelerate development work, improve the energy management, durability, and reliability of the Coradia iLint fleet, and ensure the success of projects in Germany, Italy, and France.
Market Position: This acquisition solidifies Alstom’s position as a leader in sustainable rail alternatives, even as battery technology has advanced.
I would agree strongly with the future impact.
My First Ride In An Alstom Coradia iLint
In March 2019 in My First Ride In An Alstom Coradia iLint, I said this.
I’m finally, riding in a hydrogen-powered Alstom Coradia iLint train through the German countryside.
Not as quiet as the two battery trains, I’ve ridden, but that’s because It feels to me that the traction motors are crudely under the passengers and cardan shafts are used to drive the wheels!
Battery electric trains with regenerative braking should be virtually free of any mechanical noise. Both the Class 379 and Class 230 battery demonstrators were almost silent. As electricity generated from hydrogen doesn’t appear to generate much noise, then a hydrogen-powered train can also be almost silent.
From talking to fellow passengers, it would appear that the train has been very reliable in service.
Conclusion
Alstom are proving hydrogen would work well in a train designed for that purpose, but updating a DMU with a mechanical transmission, possibly isn’t the way to go.
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