<p>Built and extensively tested at our Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre, the HydroFLEX project began in 2018 with a Class 319 train converted to run on hydrogen and battery power. </p>
<p>The original HydroFLEX train was developed in partnership with the University of Birmingham, with grant funding from Innovate UK – a branch of the UK government. </p>
<p>The train reached 50mph during mainline testing, an unofficial speed record making it the UK’s first hydrogen powered train. A fuel cell from the first HydroFLEX train features in the Innovation Platform exhibition at the National Railway Museum, showcasing technology that could make Britain’s railways greener and contribute to the rail industry becoming net zero ahead of the UK Government’s target of 2050. </p>