$128,000,000 million on USA rails — Most futuristic train in history officially enters service

This brand-new, futuristic train may change the future of accessible and sustainable transportation. Today's transportation industry is significantly concerned with transforming itself to achieve carbon neutrality by reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. In order for the world not to incur irreparable climate change, specific climate goals need to be met.

For the transportation industry to achieve this, the industry has largely focused on drawing upon renewable energy resources in order to power our transportation needs.

Revolutionizing the transportation industry

Modern transportation technologies underscore the functioning of contemporary life. In the past century, transportation has reached significant feats which have never previously thought possible. From seeing the first automobile on the road to putting humans on the moon, coupled with the rise in accessibility for international travel, never before have we travelled so far and been so connected across continents.

However, today's modern transportation requirements rely on fossil fuel technology. While fossil fuels have allowed us to reach heights in transportation, it has also meant that today, we live in a power-hungry world, requiring substantial energy in order for today's world to function. This reliance has meant that the world currently sits with an energy crisis on hand, whereby we are using these fossil fuels at an unsustainable rate.

Further, the mining of fossil fuels and their use contribute to the release of harmful carbon emissions, which are a root cause of climate change. To amend this, the industry has looked towards creating alternative engine solutions that draw upon renewable energy resources and not fossil fuel technology. The passenger vehicle industry has particularly taken off with this through the development of the electric engine, which has risen to become the most popular alternative engine solution on the road, specifically the hybrid-electric engine, with electric vehicle giant Tesla contributing significantly to this rise in electric vehicle presence. [1]

New futuristic train makes its debut

While electric engines have made their mark in the passenger vehicle world, the technology has also made significant strides in the train sector.

However, hydrogen engine technology is also beginning to emerge as a significant contender. This month, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) launched its hydrogen-powered ZEMU train, operating a 14km line between San Bernardino and Redlands, reaching a maximum speed of 130km/hr.

"The development of the train has solidified SBCTA's place as an innovator in clean passenger rail here in the Inland Empire, throughout the state and the nation." said the president of the San Bernardino county transit authority (SBCTA), Ray Marquez, in a statement.

The train can accommodate up to 220 passengers, and highlights the diversity of the transportation industry The train can cover nearly 3,000km without needing to be refueled. The state of California is also in the process of obtaining another ten hydrogen-powered trains to operate in the state.

This fuel continues to be on the rise

While electric power remains the dominant force in the alternative engine world, the developments in hydrogen fuel-cell technology remain critical to ensure that the transportation industry is able to meet its sustainability goals.

Further, by expanding the use of hydrogen fuel-cell engines alongside electric engines, hydrogen can fill gaps in the transportation world where electric technology is not suitable. However, despite the rise in hydrogen solutions, the passenger vehicle industry continues to focus its efforts primarily on the electric engine, with hybrid solutions continuing to be favored by consumers[2]. Additionally, the passenger vehicle world continues to look towards other futuristic technologies, such as the development of fully autonomous vehicles.

Because of this, we may see a world sooner rather than later that no longer needs a human driver behind the wheel.

References

1. ^ rise in electric vehicle presence.  (www.eldiario24.com)
2. ^ hybrid solutions continuing to be favored by consumers (www.eldiario24.com)