World’s first carbon fiber metro train debuts in Qingdao in East China, marking an another step towards green transition.
The world’s first carbon fiber metro train began passenger service on Friday on Metro Line 1 in Qingdao, Shandong Province, as reported by China Central Television (CCTV). The train is named “CETROVO 1.0 Carbon Star Express,” and was developed independently in China.
Observers noted that the introduction of this train marks significant progress in China’s metro train lightweight technology and its green transformation. The use of carbon fiber in the load-bearing structure is a key advancement, as it is much lighter than traditional materials like steel and aluminum, according to CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co, the train’s developer.
The company highlighted that the carbon fiber metro train will play a crucial role in advancing the green and low-carbon transformation of urban rail transit in China and help the rail industry achieve its “dual carbon” goals.
Compared to traditional metal metro trains, the carbon fiber train is approximately 11 percent lighter, with energy consumption reduced by 7 percent. Each train is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 130 tons annually, which is equivalent to the afforestation of 6.7 hectares, as per another report.
In addition to being lighter and more energy-efficient, carbon fiber offers higher strength, greater environmental adaptability, and lower operating and maintenance costs over its lifespan. It is also resistant to corrosion.
Carbon fiber’s strength is more than five times that of steel, while its weight is less than a quarter of steel, making it ideal for lightweight rail vehicles, according to CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co’s statement.
The material enhances the car body’s strength, offering better impact resistance and extending the structure’s lifespan. It also improves vibration reduction and isolation, leading to smoother operation, reduced noise, and a more comfortable ride, as reported by CCTV.
Qingdao Metro Line 1 spans about 60 kilometers with 41 stations and serves as a major north-south backbone line in Qingdao, according to the report.
The development of the carbon fiber metro train began in 2021, and from July to December 2024, it underwent a six-month on-site test on Qingdao Metro Line 1. During this period, 20 routine vehicle tests and 36 type tests were carried out, along with comprehensive system-to-vehicle testing to fully assess the train’s performance. It passed an expert review for passenger trial operation in December 2024, and on January 5, it received third-party independent safety assessment approval.
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