China has achieved another remarkable milestone in technological innovation with the world’s first passenger train made entirely from carbon fiber.
This futuristic train boasts significant advantages over its conventional steel counterparts, promising a smoother, greener, and altogether more efficient ride for passengers. Qingdao Sifang Rolling Stock Co. claims that the carbon fiber body and frame are 25% and 50% lighter, respectively, compared to their conventional counterparts,This translates to a significant overall weight reduction of 11% for the entire train. The benefits are two-fold. First, reduced energy consumption and second, less wear on tracks.
“In the field of rail transit, a key technology is to reduce the vehicle’s body weight and its energy consumption while ensuring vehicle performance towards a greener, low-carbon future,” remarked Qingdao Sifang on WeChat, asThe Cetrovo 1.0 isn’t just about shedding pounds. It boasts a design geared towards performance and passenger comfort. The train is equipped with a top speed of 87 miles/hour , exceeding the current average speed of 49.7 miles/hour for Chinese metro trains.