China Flags Off World's First Carbon Fibre Metro Train
China launches its first metro train made from carbon fibre, which can run smoothly and quietly and reduce CO2.
The train begins service on a 37-mile route in Qingdao, in the nation's eastern Shandong province.
China has officially started running its Cetrovo 1.0 Carbon Star Express, the world's first metro train made from carbon fibre.
The speciality of this train is that its body and frame are manufactured using carbon fibre composites, a lightweight and durable material. Carbon fibre is usually used in premium and high-performance car production, such as Ferrari and Lamborghini, which are well known for reducing weight while maintaining strength.
The train is around 11% lighter than other metro trains, reducing energy consumption by about 7%. This helps lower CO2 emissions by up to 130 tonnes per year, equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting 100 acres of trees.
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Other benefits of using carbon fibre include making the train impact-resistant and firmer, as it is five times stronger than steel and only 25% of the latter's weight. This will result in lower maintenance and cost reduction over time. Carbon fibre also reduces vibration, guaranteeing a smoother and quieter journey for passengers.
CRRC Qingdao Sifang, a state-owned company, began working on the train in 2021, and after years of testing, the first official train hit the tracks in January 2025. During testing, it reached a speed of over 87 mph, much faster than the typical 50 mph of current metro systems in the country. The train also features advanced technologies such as automated operation, anti-collision warnings, and obstacle detection.
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Cetrovo is now autonomously running on a 37-mile route, covering 41 stations in Qingdao. This advanced technology will revolutionise metro systems not just in China but around the world by replacing steel with carbon fibre.
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