Mattel’s biobased building blocks, world’s 1st fuel-cell powered train, self-healing “Frankenstein” concrete, potato starch produce packaging, and more: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the week of January 30th

#9 AKASOL and Alstom to begin serial production of fuel-cell-powered trains

In Germany, AKASOL, a high-performance battery manufacturer, will provide technology to be used in the serial production of the world’s first fuel-cell-powered train, manufactured by Alstom. The world’s very first hydrogen train, powered by electric engines, has been making successful passenger trials in northern Germany since September 2018. AKASOL’s first round of battery systems are scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2020, and all 40 systems are expected to be delivered by 2021. The CEO of AKASOL explained that “The combination of hydrogen fuel cells and our intelligent high-performance battery enables continuous storage of the electrical energy generated by the fuel cells as well as dynamic absorption of the high electrical power which is recuperated when braking. The systems not only provide the power needed for propulsion but also supply power for onboard systems like lighting and air conditioning.”
More on the story, here.