
Stadler has unveiled its innovative RS ZERO railbus, powered by hydrogen fuel cells and onboard batteries, at the Rail Business Days trade fair in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The RS ZERO is being presented to the public for the second time after Germany, and its presentation in the Czech Republic is of particular importance due to the country’s dense railway network with low levels of electrification.
RS ZERO: The Ideal Solution for Regional Lines
Czech engineers at Stadler's Prague office contributed to the development of the RS ZERO's design to meet local operational needs. The innovative train, Carrying capacity up to 165 passengers It has both single and double carriage versions.
RS ZERO, where only 35 percent of the rail network is electrified an ideal solution for regional lines offers.
Battery operated version: While offering a range of up to 150 km.
Hydrogen powered model: It can travel up to 800 km autonomously.
This diversity allows operators to choose the most suitable variant according to infrastructure and route features.
Specifications and Market Prospects
RS ZERO, silent operation, zero local emissions and stands out as an environmentally friendly choice with its high energy efficiency. Thanks to its modular design, the train can be customized according to different route lengths and passenger volumes.
Stadler is currently in talks with European operators to position the RS ZERO as part of a sustainable rail transport strategy. As a result, the hydrogen rail bus will be available without major investments in electricity. Strong potential for regions aiming to reduce carbon emissions This technology could enable more efficient use of rail networks by increasing operational flexibility, while providing environmental benefits, particularly on rural and less developed rail lines.