World's First Carbon Fibre Passenger Train Unveiled in China
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | China unveils the world's first carbon fibre passenger train. |
| Train Name | Cetrovo 1.0 (Carbon Star Rapid Transit) |
| Location | Qingdao, Shandong Province, China |
| Date of Unveiling | July 17 |
| Developer | Qingdao Sifang Rolling Stock Co. (subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation - CRCC) |
| Status | Completed factory testing; ready for operation in Qingdao later this year. |
| Material Used | Carbon fibre composite materials |
| Weight Reduction | 25% lighter car body, 50% lighter bogie frame; overall 11% lighter than traditional trains. |
| Energy Efficiency | 7% reduction in energy consumption; reduces CO2 emissions by 130 tonnes/year. |
| Environmental Impact | Equivalent to planting 40 hectares (100 acres) of trees. |
| Design Speed | 140 km/h (87 mph) |
| Automation | Fully automated and driverless. |
| Advantages | Operates in harsh environments; manoeuvres curved/steep tracks; reduced wear on wheels/tracks. |
| Carbon Fibre Strength | Five times stronger than steel; less than a quarter of the weight. |
| Safety Features | Intelligent anti-collision and obstacle detection systems. |
| Price Evolution of Carbon Fibre | 1980s: $200/lb; 2000s: $30-$50/lb; Current: $7-$15/lb (industrial-grade). |
| Comparison to Traditional Materials | More expensive than steel/aluminium due to complex manufacturing process. |
| About CRCC | World's largest rolling stock manufacturer; supplied metro trains to Boston in 2014. |
| About Qingdao Sifang | Oldest rolling stock manufacturer in China; founded in 1900 during German occupation. |