Vitézy noted that the first prototype hydrogen-powered trains have already appeared in Europe; market leaders Alstom and Siemens have showcased their own trains, and a number of other manufacturers have received orders from Germany, France, and Italy. The technology could replace diesel trains on branch lines, he added.
He said MÁV-Start is "gauging the market", which doesn't necessarily mean it will procure hydrogen-powered trains but could establish the parameters for purchasing the vehicles at a later time.
MÁV-Start is mulling a framework contract for 18 trains, of which it could buy six initially, followed by orders for at least three at a time, Vitézy said. The trains' top speed could be 140km/h or 160km/h, with the capacity to seat 120, 180, or 200 passengers, he added.
A decision on further steps will be taken after the gauge of the market is completed, by the end of 2022, he said. The cost of the trains would be covered by revenue from the European Union's emissions trading system, he added.
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