In March, Germany conducted successful tests of the world's first "Hydrail" - a hydrogen powered, zero-emission train.

 

3月份，德国成功测试了世界上第一辆“氢铁”，这是一种零排放的氢气动力火车。

 

"The new train is 60% less noisy than a traditional diesel train, completely emission free," said Jens Sprotte of Alstom, the French producer of the train. "Its speed and the possibility to transport passengers match the performance of a diesel train."

 

"The only sound it gives off comes from the wheels and air resistance," Sprotte added.

 

Here's how the new technology works:

 

The Hydrail uses the same equipment as a diesel train but substitutes hydrogen as its fuel source. Large fuel cells sitting on top of the train combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, which is then transferred to lithium ion batteries.

 

Energy that is not immediately used can be stored for later use, increasing fuel efficiency. The train's only emissions are steam and water, resulting in minimal impact to the environment.

 

"It's so clean you can breathe it in," said Stefan Schrank, the train's project manager at Alstom.