Check out photos of the world's first hydrogen-powered passenger train that's up and running in Germany as Europe tries to wean itself off of Russian oil

• The world's first completely emission-free train powered by hydrogen is officially running in Germany.
• The manufacturer says the trains are a "true alternative to diesel power" as Europe tries to wean itself off of Russian oil.

The world's first train powered by hydrogen officially started picking up passengers in Germany last Monday.

The train cost $86 million, according to a report by Fuel Cell Works, and will begin by transporting passengers between two stops just outside of Hamburg.

Fuel Cell Works says initial service on the train is "preliminary," and older diesel-fueled trains will serve as a backup in case there are adjustments needed in the first few months of service.

Alstom, the company that developed the trains, says that the emission-free trains represent "a true alternative to diesel power."

The rollout of these trains comes as Germany and other European countries attempt to wean themselves off of Russian oil and gas imports - even resorting to turning off lights and heating - to comply with Europe's sanctions as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Here are photos of the world's first hydrogen-powered train.

The trains, called the Coradia iLint, which are powered by hydrogen fuel cells, were first introduced to the public in 2016.

Alstom's Coradia iLint train, the first in the world to be powered by hydrogen      FRANCOIS LO PRESTI / AFP

The trains can reach a maximum speed of 140 hm or 89 mph, according to the manufacturer, Alstom.

Interior of the train      Alstom

The EPA says that hydrogen vehicles generate water and heat as by-products rather than regular vehicle exhaust emissions that contribute to pollution.

An employee of train manufacturer Alstom controls a hydrogen train Coradia iLint      picture alliance / Contributor

Source: EPA

The train also emits "low levels of noise," according to its manufacturer, Alstom.

Employees refuel the hydrogen train      Julian Stratenschulte/picture alliance

Alstom began developing the trains in 2014 and tested them in 2018. Now the trains are officially fully operational for passengers.

Interior of the hydrogen-powered train      Alstom

Hydrogen-fueled trains are also being tested in France, Poland, Sweden, and Austria, among other places.

Alstom's hydrogen-powered train      Alstom/Christoph Busse