Stadler Tests Hydrogen Train for Sardinia's Rail Network

Stadler Rail is testing what it calls the world’s first narrow-gauge hydrogen-powered train on a dedicated track in Switzerland, before the train enters service in Sardinia. The test track runs between Hemishofen and Ramsen stations in the canton of Schaffhausen. Stadler is also building hydrogen-powered trains for Calabria and Sicily.

A test track for narrow-gauge trains

Built in the spring, the track stretches almost 4 kilometres. A third rail sits within an existing standard-gauge track, allowing Stadler to test rolling stock designed for networks with a gauge of 950 millimetres.

Regional transport in parts of southern Italy uses that gauge, including routes in Puglia, Sicily, the Naples area and Sardinia, the company said in a press release. Stadler built the Swiss test track for trains intended for those networks. The company will now test systems on rolling stock it built for the Sardinian Regional Transport Company, known as ARST.

The hydrogen train follows an earlier Stadler project. The company tested its FLIRT H2 hydrogen-powered train for California on the standard-gauge line. After that project’s success, Stadler extended the idea to the narrow-gauge track, according to the company.

ARST expects final trials in Sardinia

“The imminent delivery of the new hydrogen-powered trains represents a decisive step for ARST,” said Carlo Poledrini, the railway company’s director-general, as quoted in the press release.

“The trains arriving in Sardinia will have already completed a major phase of testing, enabling us to swiftly begin final trials on our network,” Poledrini said. “This will allow us to make concrete progress towards zero-emission transport and greater energy self-sufficiency. This is a significant operational milestone that confirms our excellent collaboration with Stadler Rail.”

Before final trials on ARST’s network, the trains will undergo testing. The company’s statement links the project to its aims of zero-emission transport and greater energy self-sufficiency, but gives no further details of those aims.

Twenty-one vehicles scheduled for testing

Over the next three years, the Schaffhausen track is expected to play a key role in commissioning the hydrogen-powered fleet Stadler is building for Sardinia, Calabria and Sicily. Tests are scheduled for 21 vehicles.

Stadler Rail manufactures rolling stock, including high-speed and regional trains, trams and metro vehicles. Its products also operate on railway lines in Switzerland and Ticino. Based in Bussnang in canton Thurgau, the company employs 18,000 people, including 6,000 in Switzerland.

Stadler Rail traces its origins to an engineering firm Ernst Stadler founded in Zurich in 1942. The company recorded turnover of CHF3.7 billion ($4.48 billion) in 2025. Its share price had risen 44% since the start of January and 57% over the previous twelve months.