China: The four-car train, designed for speeds of up to 160 km/h, was built at the company’s plant in Changchun in late 2023. It is now being tested on a new urban line in Shanghai.
With a 3,300 mm wide body, the 25 kV AC EMU can be configured in four- or eight-car trainsets and operated in multiple. The same length of 25.4 m for the intermediate and head cars creates an additional advantage. Either as an eight-car trainset or as two four-car trainsets running in multiple, the C series can serve the same lines simultaneously, including those with platform doors. This is the first time this technical solution has been used in China.
Testing of the C series EMU on Shanghai’s new urban line. Source: CRRC
The body and bogies of the EMU are designed using technologies and elements from the Fuxing high-speed train. According to the manufacturer, the permanent magnet synchronous traction motors will consume 12% less electricity. The train is equipped for semi-automatic operation, GoA2, and can be upgraded to the highest level of unattended operation, GoA4.
An integrated intelligent system is announced to monitor the technical condition of the train itself and of the infrastructure. Using the data collected, the system controls key parameters, predicts faults, and detects obstacles on the track.
Inside the C series EMU. Source: Chinadaily
Head cars have two pairs of wide doors, and intermediate cars have three pairs. The seats are arranged in a 2+2 layout with a wide aisle between them. The inter-car gangways are open, and there is space for standing passengers in the entry area. A four-car train can carry up to 1,016 passengers, and an eight-car train up to 2,180 passengers. The declared noise level in motion does not exceed 72 dB, which is lower than required for urban rolling stock.
In the driver’s cab of the C EMU. Source: Chinadaily
The C trains will run on a new line in the Shanghai area between Hongqiao and Pudong airports, which is scheduled to open by the end of 2024. The 68.6 km journey with seven stops is expected to take just 40 minutes. In the future, this rolling stock could form the basis of the urban and suburban rail network in the Yangtze River Delta area, one of China’s most densely populated and economically developed regions.
