On June 26, 2024, CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd. unveiled the world's first commercial carbon fiber metro train, the CETROVO 1.0 Carbon Star Express, in Qingdao. Developed in collaboration with Qingdao Metro Group and tailored for Line 1 of the Qingdao Metro system, this train marks a transformative leap toward greener urban rail transit.
The journey began in 2018 when the carbon fiber metro train concept, CETROVO, debuted at InnoTrans Berlin. By June 2019, CRRC Sifang had successfully completed trial runs of a six-carriage prototype on a test line.
China, the world's largest carbon fiber producer since 2021, accounted for half of global production capacity by 2023. Dubbed the "King of New Materials" and "Black Gold," carbon fiber combines the flexibility of textile fibers with the rigidity of a hard shell. Lighter than aluminum yet stronger than steel, and resistant to corrosion, this high-modulus material is redefining the future of structural reinforcement.
The CETROVO 1.0 Carbon Star Express breaks from convention by utilizing carbon fiber composites for its car body, bogie frames, and other critical load-bearing structures. CRRC Sifang and its partners overcame key technical hurdles, including integrated design of large complex structures, cost-effective manufacturing, and intelligent maintenance systems. This pioneering application of carbon fiber in primary load-bearing components for commercial metro vehicles delivers unprecedented advantages: lighter weight, higher energy efficiency, superior strength, enhanced environmental adaptability, and reduced lifecycle maintenance costs.
Lightweight Design, Sustainable Performance
The train's carbon fiber construction slashes weight by 25% in the car body and 50% in bogie frames compared to traditional metal counterparts. Overall, the six-carriage train is 11% lighter, cutting energy consumption by 7% and reducing annual CO₂ emissions by approximately 130 tons per train-equivalent to the carbon sequestration of planting 101 mu (6.7 hectares) of trees.
In a full-carbon-fiber configuration, the train sheds 24 metric tons. Operating 120,000 kilometers annually, it saves roughly 130,000 kWh of electricity.
Enhanced Passenger Experience
Advanced noise-dampening materials and technologies lower cabin noise by over 5 decibels, creating a quieter ride. Modern amenities such as intelligent climate control and adaptive lighting further elevate comfort.
Breakthrough Performance
With a top speed of 140 km/h-surpassing traditional metro trains' 90 km/h-the CETROVO 1.0 employs a fully active suspension system that dynamically adjusts to maintain optimal vibration reduction, ensuring smoother operation.
Industry-Wide Impact
The commercial debut of carbon fiber metro trains signifies a paradigm shift from traditional metal frameworks to advanced composite materials, overcoming long-standing limitations in structural weight reduction. This innovation injects fresh momentum into China's metro lightweighting technologies and will play a pivotal role in advancing the green transition of urban rail transit, supporting the nation's dual carbon goals (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality).
As carbon fiber composites redefine urban mobility, the CETROVO 1.0 Carbon Star Express stands as a testament to sustainable engineering, paving the way for smarter, greener cities worldwide.
