Japan's first hydrogen train hits the rails for test run 

Tokyo: Japan’s largest railway company will begin testing the country’s first hydrogen-powered train next month in a step toward the nation’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.  

The two car “Hybari” train—a combination of hybrid and the Japanese word for a lark can travel up to 140 km at a top speed of 100 km/h on a single filling of hydrogen. 

Commercial services should begin in 2030.

East Japan Railway Co, which developed the train in partnership with Toyota Motor Corp and Hitachi Ltd plan to use them to replace its diesel fleet and look to export markets.

JR East had to apply for an exemption for its new prototype.

The Asian country has made hydrogen a key clean-energy source to reach net zero. 

Europe has been a pioneer in hydrogen trains, with Germany rolling out the world's first train built by Alstom SA in 2018. 

Moreover, hydrogen-powered passenger cars and buses are already running in Japan, but the law doesn't allow trains to use the fuel.