TADLER has officially unveiled its prototype RS Zero - the successor to the RS1 Regio-Shuttle. In production since 1996, about 500 RS1 examples are currently in operation across Germany and the Czech Republic. Instead of diesel engines, the RS Zero is powered using a hydrogen and/or battery packs, helping to reduce its carbon footprint. Around 38% of railway lines in Germany are not electrified, while across Europe this increases to as much as 43%. Many of these lines are now disused but they could be restored with advent of a cheap, new pollution-free power system fuelled by H2.
According to STADLER each RS Zero can be retrofitted to meet the requirements of specific lines, whether they are electrified (with charging islands) or with hydrogen refuelling stations. This would help to create ‘an economically attractive transport service even on secondary routes with low traffic density’, argues the company.
Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Germany, reports:
“With the RS Zero prototype we are very proud to build the next vehicle with alternative drive technology at the Berlin site after the battery-electric FLIRT Akku. Thanks to our technological openness, we can always offer our customers the right vehicle and make an important contribution to the transport transition.”
The RS Zero will be offered as a single or double unit, with seating for between 70 and 150 passengers. The ‘rail bus’ has an axle load of less than 18 tonnes. Retaining the distinctive trapezoidal window design of the RS1, the RS Zero offers a low floor height and various interior design arrangements. The floor and walls of the units feature a very high percentage of renewable and recycled raw materials, including PET bottles. The RS Zero is being launched following a difficult introduction for hydrogen rail buses. While all are now operational, several of the 27 Coradia iLint trains produced by Alston and operating on the Taunusbahn line (Wiesbaden-to-Frankfurt) were found to be defective, it has been reported.
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