The world’s first carbon fiber metro train, the CETROVO 1.0 Carbon Star Express, developed by CRRC Corporation Limited and Qingdao Metro, has made its debut on Line 1 in Qingdao, Shandong Province.
It fills the gap in the commercial application of carbon fiber composite materials in the primary load-bearing structures of metro vehicles, representing a significant upgrade in lightweight technology and the green transformation of China’s metro trains.
The world’s first carbon fiber metro train has made its debut on Line 1 in Qingdao, Shandong Province. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Compared with traditional metal metro vehicles, the carbon fiber train is approximately 11 percent lighter, with operational energy consumption reduced by 7 percent. Each train can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 130 tons annually. In addition, the use of carbon fiber enhances vibration and noise reduction.
The metro train also incorporates advanced digital twin technology through an intelligent operation platform.
The world’s first carbon fiber metro train has made its debut on Line 1 in Qingdao, Shandong Province. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The smart system enables intelligent fault detection, health status assessment and optimization of maintenance schedules, reducing maintenance costs. The adoption of new materials and technologies is expected to lower the train’s total life-cycle maintenance expenses by 22 percent.
The successful operation of the metro train represents a leap forward in lightweight technology. It promotes the full-chain development of composite materials, fosters new productivity in rail equipment manufacturing and supports the modernization of the rail industry.
(Executive editor: Zhu Zeya)
