World's First Hydrogen-Powered Tram Up and Running in China

A hybrid electric tram powered by hydrogen fuel cells has begun operation in Tangshan, northern China, according to Xinhua news agency.

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The eco-friendly vehicle, which is made by the China Railway Rolling Corporation is the first commercial hydrogen-powered tram in the world.

It emits water but no pollutants. Additionally, due to a temperature-controlled fuel cell process, nitrogen oxides are absent.

The vehicle, which has three carriages and 66 seats, refills within 15 minutes and can run for 40 kilometers at a maximum speed of 70 km per hour consuming 2 kilograms of hydrogen.

The distance between the floor of the tram and the rail is 35 centimeters. It is also removable to facilitate easy boarding for passengers.

The tram currently operates on a 136-year-old railway in an industrial city, connecting several industrial heritage sites.

China has been struggling with air pollution problems for years, resulting in heavy smog smothering the country's cities.

Еight hydrogen-powered tramcars will be manufactured according to the deal.

On Friday, a yellow smog alert was issued for the Chinese capital Beijing and its suburbs, which were covered with dense fog causing highway closures.