Fueled by hydrogen battery as the source of energy, the new hydrogen-powered tram is designed to have zero emission. Only one refuel enables the vehicle to travel 100 kilometers. Apart from that, the vehicle also employs the 100% low-floor technology for its structural design. Incorporating several future benefits, it is doomed to have wider applications and promotion in urban area.

The operation of the tram reflected the concept of ‘Hydrogen-powered city’ in Gaoming District.On 29th November, the ceremony of ‘New airport, New energy, Empowerment of hydrogen energy’ was launched on Foshan Hydrogen Industry Summit 2019 in Gaoming District. Many of the state-level qualified experts in hydrogen energy industry were summoned in the ceremony to discuss the future of the field. What this summit could possibly bring about was far beyond an upcoming era of railway transportation mode in Gaoming, but a promising pathway to the realization of green sustainable urban development. The profound planning of innovative development could have energized not only those hydrogen energy industries in Gaoming but also those in Foshan.

With a total length of 6.5 kilometers, 10 tram stations are set in place

The project is named as ‘Gaoming modernized tram demonstrative route’. Being the first project of railway transportation mode in Gaoming, it was launched on 27th February, 2017. With a total length of 6.57 kilometers, it will travel through up to 10 stations along the route including Cangjiang station, Yuehua road station, Yile road station, Hecheng station, cultural center station, Minghu Park station, Xinjinag road station, Sport center station, Ruanyong station and Zhihu station. The average distance between two stations is roughly 640 meters. In the near future, it is planned to allow for interchange with stage 2 extensions of Foshan Metro Line 2.

let’s see the characteristics of this newly developed tram.

Characteristics of the tram

Utilizing hydrogen powered batteries as a source of fuel, with the only byproduct of water, the tram has zero emission of greenhouse gas.

With hydrogen storage bottle installed overhead, the newly-developed hydrogen tram successfully manage the concerns of the range capacity of those normal energy storage type of tramcar. It also enable the tram to continuously travel for up to 100 kilometers at only one refuel.

The interior structure of the tram is split into 3 sections with 60 seats and spacious interior design. With cabs on both end, the design allows for two-directional operations.

Appearance of the tram

There are 5 trams put into operation at the first phase of the project in which the first operative tram has an outstanding theme in its appearance highlighting the Lingnan fine brush-painting. With the head of the tram painted with local scenic views, the whole appearance of the tram has exemplified the integration of modern technology and historical heritage. The rest of the trams are taken a major tone of champagne.

Prices at the first phase

The demonstrative tramline has adopted a flat fare system in which passengers can travel to any designated stations with a single ticket of 2 yuan. At the same time, passengers aged above 65 are free of charge. The elderly aged between 60 to 65 can also enjoy a 50% discounts. Any passengers with municipal transportation cards of Lingnan tong, Yangcheng tong and Guangfo tong can enjoyed 95% discounts for the fare.

(Alley)