SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – September 14, 2025 – The first hydrogen-powered passenger train in the U.S. made its debut in the Inland Empire Saturday and is now officially in service.
ZEMU – which stands for Zero Emission Multiple Unit – is the nation’s first federally compliant self-powered, zero-emission passenger train and is based in San Bernardino County.
On Saturday, residents were able to ride for free between San Bernardino and Redlands.
The train uses hybrid hydrogen and battery technology to propel the train and power onboard electrical systems. Water vapor is the only emission generated from the propulsion system, making this a clean transit alternative.
>> In Other News: Clean Energy Breaks Ground On Three Renewable Natural Gas Dairy Projects With Maas Energy Works
"ZEMU is proof of our commitment to improving regional air quality, embracing innovation, and expanding clean-air transit options throughout the county," said Rick Denison, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Board President. "I look forward to riding ZEMU and am excited for residents and visitors to experience this train firsthand."
The ZEMU train is also easily recognized by its blue and white water-vapor design.
ZEMU was built by Stadler, a Swiss train manufacturer, and arrived in San Bernardino in June 2024.
Subscribe to the newsletter
Daily decarbonization data and news delivered to your inbox
Follow the money flow of climate, technology, and energy investments to uncover new opportunities and jobs.
Latest issues
-
What Do Submarines Have to Do With Hydrogen?
Inside This Issue 🚢 Hyundai Pitches Hydrogen Transport Tied To Canada Submarine Bid 🧱 The LEGO Group Expands Its Portfolio Of Carbon Removal Solutions 🏆 SAF Pioneer LanzaJet Honored With RFA Indus...
-
This $4.1M Deal Could Change Carbon Capture's Playbook
Inside This Issue 🗜️ CarbonQuest Lands $4.1M Alberta Deal on Gas Compressors 🛡️ CADO, 123Carbon, and Assure SAF Registry Join Forces to Tackle SAF Integrity Gaps ✈️ ISCC, OMV, and Airbus Partner t...
-
Can Koloma Crack Iowa's Billion-Year-Old Secret?
Inside This Issue ⛏️ Iowa's Hydrogen Rush: Can Koloma Strike Gold Before Rules Kick In? ✈️ Bentley Commits to Use 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel for Car Airfreight 🌬️ Minister Parrott Provides Upd...
Company Announcements
-
CHIFENG, China, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Envision Energy launched the first global shipment of green ammonia from Chifeng, Inner Mongolia to LOTTE Fine Chemical, a premier chemical company in ...
-
SAF Pioneer LanzaJet Honored With RFA Industry Award
Pioneering sustainable aviation fuel producer LanzaJet received the Renewable Fuels Association’s 2026 Industry Award at the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando this week. Last year the company ...
-
Houston Hosts World Hydrogen North America 2026 Industry Gathering
Hydrogen is one of the energy sources that has evolved the most when it comes to how developers plan and execute projects. The main reason for this is the advanced technology that has penetrated th...
-
Trump EPA Eyes Reallocating Waived Biofuel Obligations To Refiners: Report
The question of whether to reallocate those exempted blending obligations to larger refiners is a point of contention between the agriculture and fuel industries The Trump administration has settl...