Germany launches world's first hydrogen-powered train

Two trains built by the French train maker Alstom are now operating on a 62 mile stretch of line in northern Germany

Germany has rolled out the world's first hydrogen-powered train, signalling the start of a push to challenge the might of polluting diesel trains with costlier but more eco-friendly technology.

Two bright blue Coradia iLint trains, built by French TGV-maker Alstom, on Monday began running a 62 mile (100km) route between the towns and cities of Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervoerde and Buxtehude in northern Germany - a stretch normally plied by diesel trains.