China launches world's first carbon fiber subway train

The innovative CETROVO 1.0 subway train, made of carbon fiber composite materials, has started operating in Qingdao. The transport is 11% lighter than traditional models and consumes 7% less energy.

China's first carbon fiber composite subway train has started operating in Qingdao, Shandong Province. This is reported by Xinhua.

Details

The train's design is significantly lighter than traditional models thanks to the use of carbon fiber for the body and frame. This allowed them to reduce their weight by 25% and 50%, respectively, which resulted in the entire vehicle being 11% lighter. 

The energy efficiency of the CETROVO 1.0 is also impressive: the new design approach helps reduce energy consumption by 7%, which contributes to a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The train is expected to reduce harmful emissions by 130 tons annually, making it an environmentally responsible choice. 

The train's interior also showcases the use of carbon fiber – from the stylish black seats to the ergonomic control panel. The design combines minimalism and advanced technology, creating a futuristic atmosphere. 

An additional innovation is the SmartCare system, designed for maintenance. Using digital twins, it provides real-time monitoring of the train's condition, automatic fault detection and optimization of repair processes. This significantly reduces maintenance costs and increases its reliability.