What Does This Train Have in Common With an F1 Ferrari?
In the cutting-edge, split-second world of Formula One, ultra-light carbon fibre bodies are a must.
The likes of McLaren, Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes rely on the super-strong composites to reduce car weight and improve handling and fuel efficiency.
Now the technology is being harnessed in a different sphere – as the body work for a Chinese passenger train, Cetrovo 1.0 Carbon Star Express.
What are the benefits?
The Cetrovo 1.0 Carbon Star Express, the world's first passenger train made primarily from lightweight carbon fibre, has officially started carrying commuters this month.
Typically, subway cars are constructed from steel.
By making it from carbon fibre, the Cetrovo is set to reap numerous benefits including reduced weight, consistent structural rigidity and improved acceleration, handling and fuel efficiency.
The Cetrovo is 11% lighter than other cars in its class, translating to about 7% less energy consumption.
It is reported that these savings equate to around 130 tons of CO2 emissions, equal to the air-cleaning benefits of planting 100 acres of trees.
Other benefits
The carbon-fibre body is not only a step forward environmentally, it is also good for the company's bottom line.
The material brings lower operation and maintenance costs for the train throughout its life cycle.
Also, as it is five times stronger than steel pound-for-pound while weighing 25% as much – the cars should be more rigid and impact-resistant than steel rail cars.
For passengers, it means a smoother, quieter journey with reduced vibration.
The train is also fully automated, meaning it can operate for longer and with fewer down periods than manned trains.
It has intelligent safety features, including an anti-collision early warning system and an obstacle detection system that can automatically stop the train in emergencies.
CRRC Qingdao Sifang’s development journey
State-owned CRRC Qingdao Sifang, the company behind the Carbon Star Express, has taken four years to get to launch, having begun research and development in 2021.
The prototypes underwent years of intensive testing and evaluation before, during trials last year, the train cruised at 87mph – way beyond the 50mph average on Chinese metros.
The Express is now running autonomously in Qingdao, East China’s Shangdong Province, on a 37-mile route with 41 stations called Line 1.
Other companies and governments are watching its performance closely, with a view to developing their own carbon fibre train cars.
About CRRC Qingdao Sifang
The company behind the new train is a state-owned enterprise formerly called Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock Works, which was founded in 1900.
It is located in Qingdao, a port city bordering the Yellow Sea, which is home to electronics giants including Haier and Hisense.
CRRC Qingdao Sifang focuses on research, development, manufacture and servicing of railway locomotives and rolling stock.
It is involved in:
- Manufacturing and refurbishing of railway high-grade passenger coaches and high-speed EMUs
- Refurbishing, assembling and rebuilding of rail transit equipment, such as locomotives, passenger coaches and rapid transit vehicles
- Manufacturing of road-rail vehicles and different types of special railway cars
- Manufacturing of accessories for railway locomotives and passenger coaches
- Technical services for locomotives and rolling stock
- Metal hot-working, export and import.
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