China has introduced the CR450, a new high-speed train capable of reaching speeds of 400 km/h (249 mph), with a peak speed of 450 km/h (280 mph). The train was officially demonstrated in Beijing on November 26, 2024. This surpasses the current CR400 Fuxing trains, which operate at 350 km/h. According to Chinese state media report, the train’s braking system ensures stability at high speeds, and the design reduces energy use by over 20 per cent. Two prototypes, the CR450AF and CR450BF, feature eight cars and use advanced technology like water-cooled, permanent magnet traction.
The train offers larger cabins, noise reduction, and adjustable storage for bicycles and wheelchairs. China, with the world’s largest high-speed rail network (47,000 km), plans to use the CR450 to shorten travel times, like the Beijing-Shanghai route from 4.5 hours to just over three. A commercial launch could happen as early as next year.
