Stadler has expanded its presence in Italy and signed the first contract with Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE) for the design and supply of two narrow-gauge hydrogen-powered trains. The new vehicles will contribute to sustainable rail transport and will run through the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna.

The agreement signed following the award of the public tender launched by FCE provides for the possibility of supplying a further 13 vehicles of the same type. The supply of the first two trains also includes five years of full service and technical spare parts.

The new hydrogen-powered vehicles will be designed and built at Stadler’s headquarters in Bussnang, in the canton of Thurgau, Switzerland. Each hydrogen train consists of two passenger coaches and a central “Power Pack” unit containing the fuel cells and hydrogen tanks.

The trains have 87 seats and can carry a total of 147 passengers. The train also has a low-floor access to allow passengers with reduced mobility and elderly people to easily get on board. It is equipped with a universal toilet and areas for passengers with bicycles and/or pushchairs.