China: 10 January witnessed the inaugural run of the six-car CETROVO 1.0 on Line 1 of the Qingdao Metro.
The GoA4 ready train, with a maximum speed of 140 km/h, has been under development for three years. It was unveiled in June 2024.
Passengers of the first CRRC carbon fibre metro train. Source: Xinhua
Liu Jinzhu, a senior designer at CRRC Qingdao Sifang, outlines that CETROVO’s car body, interior components, control panel, bogie frame, and other supporting structures are constructed from carbon fibre, while brake discs are made from carbon ceramic composite. The use of innovative materials has enabled a reduction in train weight by 11% and energy consumption by 7%, according to CRRC.
A driver of the first CRRC carbon fibre metro train. Source: Xinhua
The train incorporates a specifically developed maintenance platform SmartCare. Over the course of the train’s life cycle, the platform is expected to reduce maintenance costs by 22%.