Abstract
Fuel cell hybrid vehicles are an attractive option for non-electrified railway networks. A number of studies and research vehicles have shown that fuel cell technology has a place in the rail industry, the key vehicles being the JR East New Energy Train and the Japanese RTRI FC/BAT hybrid that were successfully tested in the mid-2000s. Since then fuel cell traction has diminished somewhat, with the main focus of the technology being the automotive sector. This is largely related to the high cost of fuel cells with adequate power output and problems with hydrogen storage. This paper will discuss these issues and possible solutions as well as giving a general description of a novel fuel cell powertrain project in the UK.
