- The world's first completely emission-free train powered by hydrogen is officially running in Germany.
- The manufacturer says the trains are a "true alternative to diesel power" as Europe tries to wean itself off of Russian oil.
- Check out photos of the world's first hydrogen-powered train.
The world's first train powered by hydrogen officially started picking up passengers in Germany last Monday.
The train cost $86 million, according to a report by Fuel Cell Works, and will begin by transporting passengers between two stops just outside of Hamburg.
Fuel Cell Works says initial service on the train is "preliminary," and older diesel-fueled trains will serve as a backup in case there are adjustments needed in the first few months of service.
Alstom, the company that developed the trains, says that the emission-free trains represent "a true alternative to diesel power."
The rollout of these trains comes as Germany and other European countries attempt to wean themselves off of Russian oil and gas imports - even resorting to turning off lights and heating - to comply with Europe's sanctions as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Here are photos of the world's first hydrogen-powered train.
The trains, called the Coradia iLint, which are powered by hydrogen fuel cells, were first introduced to the public in 2016.
The trains can reach a maximum speed of 140 hm or 89 mph, according to the manufacturer, Alstom.
The EPA says that hydrogen vehicles generate water and heat as by-products rather than regular vehicle exhaust emissions that contribute to pollution.