The World’s 1st Carbon Fiber Train In China Consumes Less Energy And Has Already Hit 87 MPH

China has once again demonstrated its prowess in technological innovation by unveiling the world’s first passenger train made entirely from carbon fiber. Named Cetrovo 1.0, or the Carbon Star Rapid Transit, this marvel of engineering was recently showcased in Qingdao, Shandong province,

The South China Morning Post (SCMP) stated that the Cetrovo 1.0 has successfully finished factory testing and will begin operations in Qingdao later this year, according to Qingdao Sifang Rolling Stock Co., a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation.

Traditional metro trains use a lot of steel and aluminum alloys, which add a lot of weight and increase energy consumption and track wear. On the other hand, the carbon fiber composite skeleton of the Cetrovo 1.0 provides a notable weight reduction without compromising strength. Made from tightly woven carbon atom strands, this material reduces weight overall by 11% and is 25% lighter in the body and 50% lighter in the frame than traditional materials.

Qingdao Sifang estimates this weight reduction will lead to a 7% decrease in energy consumption, translating to an annual carbon dioxide emission cut of approximately 130 tons—equivalent to planting over 40 hectares (100 acres) of trees.

“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,” Qingdao Sifang noted on WeChat.

Performance, passenger comfort, and efficiency are all factors in the design of the Cetrovo 1.0. It can travel at 87 miles per hour (140 km/h), which is faster than the average speed of the metro trains in China right now, which is approximately 49.7 miles per hour (80 km/h). This should considerably shorten travel times and ease traffic in cities.

Due to its complete automation, the train runs more efficiently and doesn’t require a driver, which can benefit future autonomous train networks. Furthermore, Cetrovo 1.0 is designed to endure harsh environments, such as hot temperatures and steep terrain, showcasing its adaptability to a variety of geographic locations.

Passenger comfort is also a priority. The train’s lighter weight reduces noise and vibration, ensuring a smoother and quieter ride. Safety features include an intelligent anti-collision early warning system and an obstacle detection system capable of automatically stopping the train in emergencies.

While carbon fiber offers numerous advantages, its adoption in mass transit has been limited by cost. Despite significant reductions in manufacturing costs over the decades—from approximately $200 per pound in the 1980s to around $7 per pound today—carbon fiber remains more expensive than traditional materials like steel and aluminum. This cost is attributed to the complex production processes and the high-quality raw materials required. However, with ongoing advancements in manufacturing and potential economies of scale, costs are expected to decrease further.

Qingdao Sifang Rolling Stock Co., founded in 1900 during German occupation, has become one of China’s oldest and most respected manufacturers. As a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation, the world’s largest rolling stock manufacturer, Qingdao Sifang has pushed the boundaries of railway technology. Its global influence expanded significantly in 2014 with its first contract to supply metro trains to Boston, showcasing China’s growing impact on international railway markets.