Overview

The Alstom Coradia LINT is an articulated railcar belonging to the Alstom Coradia family, manufactured by Alstom since 1999. This rolling stock is offered in both diesel and hydrogen vehicle models, reflecting its role as a flexible solution for regional rail transport. The acronym LINT stands for the German phrase "leichter innovativer Nahverkehrstriebwagen," which translates to light innovative suburban railcar. The design was originally developed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch before being integrated into Alstom's broader Coradia family of rail vehicles.

History and Development

The vehicle is offered in both diesel and hydrogen models. The acronym LINT stands for the German phrase "leichter innovativer Nahverkehrstriebwagen". The design was originally developed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB). Linke-Hofmann-Busch was acquired by Alstom in 1996. Production of the LINT began in 1999 at the Salzgitter facility. The railcar has remained operational since its commissioning in 1999. The operator is Abellio Transport Holding B.V. The primary fuel source is mixed, reflecting the availability of both diesel and hydrogen variants. The country of origin is Germany (DE). The vehicle is part of Alstom's Coradia family of distributed power railcars. The LINT was designed to provide lightweight and innovative regional transport solutions. The acquisition of Linke-Hofmann-Busch by Alstom in 1996 allowed for the integration of LHB's design expertise into the broader Coradia range. The start of production in Salzgitter in 1999 marked the beginning of the LINT's operational history. The vehicle has since been used by various operators across Europe. The hydrogen variant represents a newer addition to the LINT family, complementing the traditional diesel models. The diesel models have been in service since the initial commissioning in 1999. The hydrogen models offer an alternative for regions seeking lower emissions. The LINT's articulated design allows for efficient use of track space. The vehicle is known for its reliability and efficiency in regional transport. The Coradia family includes other models, but the LINT remains a key product for Alstom. The design by Linke-Hofmann-Busch has been refined over the years to meet changing market demands. The acquisition in 1996 was a strategic move by Alstom to expand its regional rail offerings. The production in Salzgitter has continued to support the growing demand for LINT vehicles. The operational status remains active, with the vehicle continuing to serve passengers in Germany and beyond. The mixed fuel source option provides flexibility for operators choosing between diesel and hydrogen powertrains. The LINT has become a recognizable symbol of modern regional rail transport in Germany. The vehicle's design emphasizes passenger comfort and operational efficiency. The hydrogen variant is particularly notable for its potential to reduce carbon emissions in regional transport. The diesel variant remains popular for its established reliability and infrastructure compatibility. The LINT's history reflects the evolution of regional rail technology in Germany. The acquisition of Linke-Hofmann-Busch by Alstom in 1996 was a pivotal moment in the vehicle's development. The start of production in 1999 in Salzgitter marked the beginning of a long and successful production run. The LINT continues to be a key product in Alstom's Coradia family. The vehicle's operational status is currently active, with ongoing production and deployment. is one of the users of the LINT railcar. The mixed fuel source reflects the diverse options available to operators. The country of origin, Germany, has been a major market for the LINT. The vehicle's design by Linke-Hofmann-Busch has been influential in the regional rail sector. The acquisition by Alstom in 1996 allowed for broader distribution and development. The production in Salzgitter has supported the vehicle's continued success. The LINT remains a significant part of Alstom's regional rail portfolio. The vehicle's history is marked by continuous improvement and adaptation to new technologies. The hydrogen variant represents the latest development in the LINT's evolution. The diesel variant remains a staple of regional transport. The LINT's articulated design is a key feature of its efficiency. The vehicle's operational status is active, with ongoing use by operators. The mixed fuel source option provides flexibility for different operational needs. The LINT is a product of German engineering and design. The vehicle's history reflects the strategic decisions made by Alstom and Linke-Hofmann-Busch. The acquisition in 1996 was a key event in the LINT's development. The production start in 1999 in Salzgitter marked the beginning of its commercial success. The LINT continues to be a relevant and operational vehicle in the regional rail market. The vehicle's design by Linke-Hofmann-Busch has stood the test of time. The acquisition by Alstom in 1996 expanded the vehicle's reach. The LINT remains a key product for Alstom. The vehicle's operational status is active. The mixed fuel source option is a key feature. The vehicle is part of the Coradia family. The LINT is an articulated railcar. The vehicle was designed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch. The acquisition was in 1996. The production started in 1999. The vehicle is operational. The fuel source is mixed. The country is DE. The commissioning was in 1999. The design is by Linke-Hofmann-Busch. The country is DE.

What are the main types of Coradia LINT trains?

The Alstom Coradia LINT family is not a single train model but a platform of articulated railcars manufactured since 1999, designed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch and distributed under the Alstom Coradia brand. The platform is offered in both diesel and hydrogen vehicle models, allowing operators to select powertrains suited to specific regional lines. The family includes several distinct variants, identified by their model numbers, which correspond roughly to the Deutsche Bahn (DB) class designations.

Model Variants and Technical Specifications

The LINT platform is divided into several generations, each with distinct dimensions and capacity. The LINT 27, LINT 41, LINT 54, and LINT 81 represent the primary variants in service. These models differ in length, seating capacity, and engine configuration, allowing for flexibility in regional transport networks. The following table compares the key technical specifications of these variants.

Variant DB Class Length Seats Engines
LINT 27 Class 627 53.1 m 94 2x Diesel
LINT 41 Class 641 73.5 m 116 2x Diesel
LINT 54 Class 654 73.5 m 116 2x Diesel
LINT 81 Class 681 73.5 m 116 2x Hydrogen

The LINT 27 is the shortest variant, measuring 53.1 meters in length and offering 94 seats, making it suitable for lighter regional routes. The LINT 41 and LINT 54 are longer, both measuring 73.5 meters and providing 116 seats. The LINT 41 and LINT 54 are primarily diesel-powered, while the LINT 81 represents the hydrogen-powered evolution of the platform, also measuring 73.5 meters and offering 116 seats. The LINT 81 utilizes hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity for traction, offering a zero-emission alternative to the diesel models. All variants are articulated, meaning the carriages are connected by a gangway, allowing passengers to move between cars without stepping down to the platform.

Global Deployment and Operators

The Alstom Coradia LINT has established a significant international presence since its commissioning in 1999, with deployments across multiple European nations and North America. The articulated railcar, designed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch and distributed under the Alstom Coradia family, is available in both diesel and hydrogen vehicle models, allowing for flexible integration into diverse regional transit networks.

German Operations

In Germany, the LINT is a staple of regional rail transport, particularly in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. These regions utilize the fleet for extensive commuter services, leveraging the train's articulated design for efficient passenger flow and capacity. The widespread adoption in these German states underscores the model's reliability and suitability for dense regional networks.

Scandinavian and Dutch Markets

Outside of Germany, the Coradia LINT has been adopted by several key operators in Northern Europe. In Denmark, the fleet is operated by Arriva and Lokalbanen, serving various regional lines. In the Netherlands, Keolis has integrated the LINT into its service offerings, utilizing the technology for local transit solutions. Additionally, in Sweden, the Inlandsbanan line utilizes the Coradia LINT, demonstrating the model's adaptability to different geographic and operational conditions across Scandinavia.

North American Deployment

The LINT's reach extends to North America, with a notable deployment in Ottawa, Canada. This expansion highlights the vehicle's versatility and the growing interest in articulated railcars for urban and regional transit systems outside of its European origins. The global deployment reflects the enduring relevance of the Linke-Hofmann-Busch design, now managed under the Alstom Coradia brand.

The Coradia iLint: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

The Alstom Coradia iLint represents the hydrogen-powered variant within the broader Coradia LINT family of articulated railcars. As part of Alstom's strategy to offer mixed-fuel solutions, the iLint was developed to provide a zero-emission alternative to traditional diesel multiple units, utilizing hydrogen fuel cell technology to generate electricity for traction motors. The vehicle is manufactured by Alstom, a company that has produced the Coradia series since 1999. The iLint specifically addresses the need for flexible decarbonization in regional rail networks where overhead electrification infrastructure may be limited or costly to install. The design retains the articulated structure characteristic of the LINT series, which was originally designed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch. This structural continuity allows for efficient use of track space and passenger capacity while integrating the new powertrain systems required for hydrogen operation.

Assembly and Manufacturing in Salzgitter

Production of the Coradia iLint takes place at Alstom's manufacturing facilities in Salzgitter, Germany. Salzgitter serves as a key hub for the assembly of the Coradia family, leveraging existing supply chains and engineering expertise established during the production of the diesel LINT models. The integration of hydrogen fuel cell stacks, high-pressure hydrogen tanks, and battery systems into the articulated car bodies requires specialized assembly lines and quality control processes. The facility in Salzgitter has been adapted to handle the specific components of the iLint, ensuring that the hydrogen infrastructure is seamlessly integrated with the mechanical and electrical systems of the railcar. This localized production supports the German rail market's demand for modern, low-emission rolling stock and facilitates closer collaboration with domestic operators and infrastructure managers.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The Coradia iLint utilizes a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain to drive its electric traction motors. The system stores hydrogen in high-pressure tanks located within the railcar's structure, which feed into the fuel cells to generate electricity. This electricity powers the traction motors and can also charge on-board batteries to assist during peak power demands, such as acceleration. The iLint is designed to offer a competitive range compared to its diesel predecessors, allowing for extended operations between refueling stops. While specific range figures can vary based on operational profiles and passenger load, the hydrogen system provides a substantial endurance that supports regional service patterns. The vehicle is capable of reaching speeds suitable for regional express services, maintaining the performance characteristics expected from the Coradia LINT lineage. The hydrogen technology enables the iLint to operate with minimal noise and vibration, enhancing passenger comfort. Additionally, the primary emission from the exhaust is water vapor, significantly reducing the environmental impact of regional rail transport. The iLint is currently operational, serving as a proof of concept and a commercial product for railways seeking to transition from diesel to hydrogen power. The vehicle is offered as part of Alstom's portfolio of hydrogen vehicle models, complementing the diesel options available in the LINT series. The operational status of the iLint demonstrates the viability of hydrogen fuel cell technology for mainline and regional rail applications in Germany and beyond.

How does the iLint compare to diesel models?

The Alstom Coradia LINT family includes both diesel and hydrogen variants, with the hydrogen-powered model, known as the iLint, representing a technological evolution of the original design. The acronym LINT stands for "leichter innovativer Nahverkehrstriebwagen," describing the articulated railcar's lightweight and innovative nature within the Coradia family. While the diesel models have been in service since 1999, the iLint introduces hydrogen fuel cell technology as an alternative power source. This comparison highlights differences in operational characteristics, refueling infrastructure requirements, and route applications across Germany.

Operational Characteristics

Both diesel and hydrogen LINT models share the same articulated railcar structure designed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch. The diesel variants utilize internal combustion engines to generate power, while the iLint employs hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity for traction motors. This fundamental difference affects noise levels and emissions, with the hydrogen model offering a quieter operation and reduced local emissions compared to its diesel counterpart. The hydrogen technology allows for similar performance metrics while addressing environmental concerns in specific operational contexts.

Refueling Infrastructure

Refueling infrastructure differs significantly between the two models. Diesel LINT vehicles rely on traditional stationary fueling stations or mobile refueling units, providing flexibility in logistics. The iLint requires hydrogen refueling infrastructure, which can also be mobile or stationary. Mobile refueling offers advantages for routes where fixed infrastructure is limited, allowing for greater operational flexibility. Both models benefit from the ability to use mobile refueling solutions, reducing the need for extensive fixed infrastructure investments in certain scenarios.

Route Applications

The operational deployment of these models varies by region. The iLint has seen application in Lower Saxony, where hydrogen infrastructure development has supported its integration into regional rail networks. In contrast, diesel LINT models have been widely deployed across various German regions, including the Frankfurt Rhine-Main area. These diesel variants continue to serve as a reliable option for routes where hydrogen infrastructure is still developing or where operational requirements favor traditional diesel technology. The choice between diesel and hydrogen models depends on regional infrastructure, environmental goals, and operational needs.

Significance

The Alstom Coradia LINT has established itself as a defining standard for light rail transport across Europe, particularly within the German market where its development originated. This designation reflects the vehicle's core engineering philosophy: prioritizing reduced weight and operational efficiency to optimize performance for regional and suburban services. Since its introduction in 1999, the LINT family has been manufactured by Alstom and distributed as a key component of the Coradia range. The design was originally developed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch before being integrated into Alstom's broader portfolio, allowing for widespread adoption by various operators throughout the continent. By offering a flexible, articulated railcar solution, the LINT series addressed the need for cost-effective rolling stock that could serve both high-frequency commuter lines and lower-density regional routes. Its success is attributed to the balance between passenger capacity, energy efficiency, and mechanical reliability, making it a benchmark for modern diesel multiple units in European rail networks. The platform's adaptability has allowed it to remain relevant for decades, serving as a foundational model for subsequent innovations in the Coradia family.

Hydrogen Innovation: The iLint

A major evolution of the LINT platform is the iLint, which holds the distinction of being the world's first production hydrogen-powered trainset. This model represents a significant technological shift from the traditional diesel variants, utilizing hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity for traction motors. The iLint demonstrates the LINT architecture's capacity to accommodate mixed fuel sources, expanding the vehicle's environmental profile while maintaining the core design principles of the original railcar. As a hydrogen vehicle model, the iLint offers a zero-emission alternative for regional rail lines, particularly those lacking extensive electrification infrastructure. This innovation underscores the LINT's role not just as a historical standard for diesel rail transport, but as a forward-looking platform for sustainable mobility. The introduction of the iLint highlights the ongoing relevance of the Coradia LINT family in the energy transition of the European railway sector, providing operators with a proven, scalable solution for reducing carbon footprints in local transport. The ability to offer both diesel and hydrogen options within the same family allows for strategic fleet diversification, catering to varying regional energy policies and infrastructure readiness. This dual-fuel capability reinforces the LINT's status as a versatile and enduring solution in the global rail industry.

See also