Germany has launched the world’s first hydrogen-powered train in September 2018 because diesel-operated trains cause a lot of pollution. Built by French train maker Alstom, two trains painted in bright blue colour now operate on a 1.6km stretch in northern Germany. Hydrogen trains are eco-friendly because they are equipped with fuel cells that produce electricity through a combination of hydrogen and oxygen, a process that leaves steam and water as the only emissions. Excess energy is stored in ion lithium batteries on board.