Latest news with #CR400
Newsweek
a day ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
China Moves Forward on Next-Generation High-Speed Rail
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China has moved to the testing stage for its next-generation high-speed train, the CR450. Engineers launched a test model from Yichang North Station along the Shanghai-Chongqing-Chengdu high-speed railway, with the train heading toward Wuhan. Newsweek reached out to China's Ministry of Transport via email for comment. Why It Matters China operates the world's most extensive high-speed rail network, with more than 24,855 miles of operational lines, according to a 2023 report from the International Union of Railways. The arrival of the CR450 could further enhance the country's reputation as the world leader in high-speed rail technology, promising faster, safer, and more energy-efficient transportation options. China alone accounts for nearly double the combined length of the rest of the world's high-speed rail systems. What To Know Tests on the CR450 model will continue for around two weeks to validate performance and collect data for system optimization. The CR450 prototype is designed to reach test speeds of up to 450 kilometers per hour (279.6 mph), with an intended operational speed of 400 km/h. Once launched commercially, it will become the world's fastest high-speed train, surpassing China's current CR400 model, which operates at 350 km/h. According to the China State Railway Group, the CR450 will feature a 22 percent reduction in overall operational resistance and a 10 percent decrease in weight compared to its predecessors. The CR450AF bullet train in Beijing on December 29, 2024. The CR450AF bullet train in Beijing on December 29, 2024. Xinhua The prototypes, which were first unveiled last year, are designed with an eight-car formation comprising four powered and four non-powered carriages, according to train manufacturer CRRC. China's high-speed rail network exceeded 46,000 kilometers by the end of last year. The country added over 3,100 kilometers of new railway in 2024 alone, including 2,457 kilometers of high-speed track, and its overall network now reaches more than 160,000 kilometers. Although it reached test speeds of 450 km/h, authorities stated that the train's operating speed was 400 km/h. According to China Daily, the CR450 has a braking response time of about 1.7 seconds. What People Are Saying Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, on X, formerly Twitter, in December: "With a test speed of 450 km/h and an operational speed of 400 km/h, it's set to be the fastest high-speed train in the world! Faster, safer, more energy-efficient, more comfortable, and smarter!" What Happens Next The CR450 test phase is expected to last approximately two weeks, with commercial operations of the upgraded rail section scheduled to commence in the second half of 2025.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
China testing world's fastest high-speed train prototype at 280 mph pace
China is moving closer to operating what may become the world's fastest high-speed train. According to the Ministry of Transport, the CR450 prototypes have achieved test speeds of 450 kilometers per hour (281 miles per hour) and are expected to run at an operational speed of around 400 kilometers (248.5 miles) per hour. Once commercial service begins, the CR450 could surpass China's CR400 model, which debuted in 2017 and currently runs at 350 kilometers (217 miles) per hour. In a recent CCTV video, the CR450 is shown undergoing comprehensive tests and evaluations. Engineers at the Locomotive and Vehicle Research Institute of the China Academy of Railway Sciences (CARS) have been particularly focused on 'weight control,' ensuring that any reductions in mass do not compromise structural integrity. 'While reducing the weight, we must ensure that its strength does not decrease, and we even need to increase its strength because of the higher speed. It's just like a person who wants to slim down while building strength. This involves structural changes and material innovations,' said Chen Can, an associate researcher at CARS. Sensors have been installed on the tracks to achieve the necessary balance, transmitting real-time weight data from each wheel to a monitoring system. Researchers are also enclosing the entire bogie area beneath the train for the first time to minimize air resistance, a critical factor at very high speeds. 'Ensuring the smoothness of the entire train body minimizes resistance during operation,' said Ha Dalei, a senior designer at the National Engineering Research Center of Rail Transportation at CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd. Among the other technical highlights, the CR450 runs on an advanced permanent magnet traction water-cooled system, with an upgraded bogie design for stability. Engineers have also built in more than 4,000 sensors to monitor everything from the car body and pantograph to train control and fire detection systems, along with a multi-level emergency braking system for enhanced safety. The prototypes, CR450AF and CR450BF, each feature an eight-car formation with a mix of powered and non-powered carriages. In addition to the CR400, China already operates other record-breaking trains. The Shanghai Maglev runs on magnetic levitation technology at a maximum speed of about 431 kilometers (268 miles) per hour during regular service. Despite fierce global competition from France's Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV), Japan's Shinkansen, and Spain's AVE Class 103, China is currently the only country operating commercial high-speed rail services at 350 kilometers per hour. The planned 400 kilometers per hour operating speed of the CR450 would reaffirm China's leadership in this arena. Although the CR450 prototypes have passed static and low-speed dynamic tests in traction, braking, and noise control, engineers plan to gradually increase speeds in future trials. The goal is to refine systems for real-world conditions, further cutting vibrations, reducing energy consumption, and lowering noise levels. Once fully approved for commercial operations, the CR450 will not only outpace every other high-speed train worldwide but also make China home to the three fastest trains on the planet.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
China unveils prototype of world's fastest and most advanced locomotive: 'Travel between major cities ... in just 1-3 hours'
China has unveiled yet another massive breakthrough in the realm of high-speed rail travel, courtesy of a new prototype train and a plan to install even more high-speed tracks in the next five years. According to China Daily, the country plans to add 1,600 miles of new rail lines in 2025 and 7,000 miles of high-speed track by 2030. This comes on top of the 100,000 miles of rail lines and 30,000 miles of high-speed tracks that have already been built in the country. China has one of the best and most extensive rail systems in the world, and its high-speed system is already the envy of virtually everyone. The star of the show has been the CR400 locomotive, but that could soon be a thing of the past as well. Would having access to a high-speed train change how often you use public transit? Absolutely Probably a little Not much Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. According to CNN, China unveiled the prototype for the CR450, so-named because its max speed is 450 kilometers per hour (279 mph). The CR450 will operate commercially at 400 kilometers per hour (249 mph), making it the fastest train in the world. Both the new track and train will aid China's goal of making "travel between major cities possible in just 1-3 hours" while also supporting rapid cargo transit around the country. High-speed rail is one of the most effective tools for reducing our carbon footprint and reliance on air travel. We've seen it growing as France and Germany unveiled a new train between Paris and Berlin that reduces travel time to just 9 to 10 hours with a stop, while plans have been unveiled for another line between Barcelona in Spain and Toulouse in France. A study of high-speed rail in Morocco shows that it can also ignite an increase in driving a massive boost in the economy. While it has yet to really gain a proper foothold in the United States, that is slowly changing, as projects in Texas, California, and even Las Vegas to Los Angeles are underway. But, as the most recent announcements show, the rest of the world still has some catching up to do if they hope to match China's progress on this front. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
