Detroit-Lansing High-Speed Hydrogen-Powered Rail Line Pics and Video

Detroit-Lansing rail line rendering

Engineers and companies are continuously searching for alternative power sources and for vehicles capable of developing lower fuel consumption and emissions without sacrificing performance so every single idea that pops out quickly gains our attention. Such an example is the Detroit-Lansing high-speed and hydrogen-powered rail line which may represent the best alternative for traditional highway.

Now, let's clarify the matter a little bit. First of all, what we have here is an elevated rail line that would mainly rely on cars equipped with solar power cells powering hydrogen batteries. The first question that should come in your mind is "But isn't hydrogen dangerous?". Well, Justin Sutton of Whitmore Lake, founder of Worldwide Hydrogen Super Highways aka the company that rolled out this enthusiastic project, says no. However, the vehicles would be capable of reaching maximum speeds of up to 200 mph (around 322 km/h).

Since the rail line would be only addressed to the States, involving the local industry pretty much makes sense. And yes, the automotive industry would get their own share in this project as the Detroit Three would be the companies to design the cars used to transport people.

Although it's only an ambitious idea, developers have already considered every single minor details. For instance, revenues generated by the rail line would be shared 50-50 by the manufacturer and the state, with no public money to be used, Sutton was quoted as saying by Detroit Free Press.

"Is that possible?" you may also ask. Well, the answer would be yes. Sutton explains that the company will rely on funding provided by no less than 200 investors from all over the world.

And since we were speaking about the money to be used for establishing the Detroit-Lansing rail line, every single mile would cost up to $15 million, with two lines between Detroit and Lansing and Ann Arbor to total $2.3 billion.

Here is a video explaining the project plus a bunch of photos published after the jump:
More images in the gallery below.