Qingdao, January 12, 2025 – The Europe Today: A groundbreaking carbon fiber metro train, named CETROVO 1.0, officially commenced passenger service on Friday in Qingdao, a port city in eastern China’s Shandong Province.
This state-of-the-art train features a carbon fiber composite body and frame, reducing the weight of the car body and bogie frame by 25% and 50%, respectively. Overall, the train is 11% lighter than conventional models, offering enhanced efficiency and sustainability.
According to Liu Jinzhu, the train’s chief designer from CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co., Ltd., the reduced weight allows for a 7% decrease in energy consumption during operation. This translates to an annual reduction of approximately 130 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to planting 101 mu (about 6.7 hectares) of trees.
The carbon fiber materials not only reduce weight but also strengthen the vehicle’s body, enhance impact resistance, and improve durability. Inside, the cabin showcases carbon fiber elements such as sleek black seats, armrests, and the driver’s console, delivering a futuristic and high-tech aesthetic.
Passengers can expect a smoother and quieter ride, thanks to improved vibration damping and sound isolation, made possible by the advanced materials.
Additionally, a cutting-edge digital twin-based maintenance platform, SmartCare, has been integrated into the system. This platform facilitates smart fault detection, real-time health monitoring, and maintenance optimization, significantly reducing repair costs and enhancing operational efficiency.
The launch of CETROVO 1.0 represents a leap forward in sustainable and innovative metro train design, setting new benchmarks in the transportation industry.