Alternative Propulsion for More Sustainable Rail Operations Stadler Unveils First Narrow-Gauge Hydrogen Train

At InnoTrans 2026, Stadler, together with three southern Italian transit companies, unveiled what it claims is the world’s first narrow-gauge hydrogen train. The trains, built in Bussnang, are designed for use in Sardinia, Calabria, and Sicily. Ten trains for Sardinia are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 2,100 metric tons annually compared to the current diesel trains.

Stadler is currently manufacturing 21 hydrogen trains for Sardinia’s Azienda Regionale Sarda Trasporti (ARST), Ferrovie della Calabria (FdC), and Sicily’s Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE). The trains are being built at the company’s headquarters in Bussnang, in eastern Switzerland. The first train was manufactured for ARST. The corresponding framework agreement covers ten trains. In addition, Stadler is building nine trains for FdC and two trains for FCE. They are intended for use in regional and commuter rail service in the future.

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Tailored to the Needs of the Regions

Whether it's the coastal routes of Sardinia, the tunnels of Calabria, or the steep inclines of the Etna Nature Park in Sicily: The trains are designed to meet the specific requirements of each route.

“Thanks to close collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the transit agencies ARST, FdC, and FCE, Stadler has developed a modular solution that can be adapted to the varying requirements of Italy’s narrow-gauge rail network. All trains are based on the same technological platform and combine a compact profile, lightweight construction, and an innovative hydrogen propulsion system. This ensures high standards in terms of performance, innovation, reliability, and sustainability,” says Maurizio Oberti, Sales Manager for Italy at Stadler.

Aristide Vercillo Martino, CEO of the Calabrian railway company FdC: “The partnership between Stadler and Ferrovie della Calabria has been in place for about 20 years. It began with the first railcar developed for Italian narrow-gauge railways, which was built specifically for FdC, and has been continuously strengthened by the successful commissioning of various generations of railcars. This long-standing collaboration forms the foundation for a new generation of trains that meets both operational requirements and the expectations of passengers in Calabria. It is part of a comprehensive investment program in rail infrastructure and digital transformation that is being driven forward in collaboration with the Calabria region.”

Fuel Cells and Batteries as a Propulsion System

The narrow-gauge hydrogen trains are equipped with a propulsion system that combines hydrogen fuel cells in the middle car with batteries. The electrical energy generated from the hydrogen charges the batteries. This system enables the trains to operate on non-electrified lines.

According to Stadler, the ten hydrogen trains intended for ARST are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 2,100 metric tons annually compared to previous diesel vehicles. This is equivalent to driving around the world about 450 times.

Hydrogen from Solar Energy

The trains are fueled with hydrogen. All three transit companies rely on solar energy to produce the hydrogen they need.

“The vehicles developed with Stadler are a key component of the strategy to decarbonize the narrow-gauge network. “We are very proud to be putting the first narrow-gauge hydrogen train into service on our routes,” explains Carlo Poledrini, Executive Director of ARST. “For ARST, this is the first step on the path from being a transportation company to becoming an energy company.”

An Enhanced Travel Experience

According to the manufacturer, hydrogen trains are significantly quieter than diesel trains. Passengers also benefit from a bright interior and large panoramic windows. The low-floor entry makes it easier to get on and off the train, even for people with limited mobility.

“The trip around Mount Etna is one of Sicily’s most beautiful travel experiences. Our goal is to make every journey as pleasant as possible for our passengers. With the new hydrogen trains, we can enhance comfort while also making an important contribution to environmentally friendly mobility. “We are pleased to have Stadler as a trusted partner by our side and to make this exceptional route even more attractive for our passengers,” says Salvatore Fiore, General Manager of FCE.