CR450 Technology Innovation Program

The CR450 EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) is developed based on China’s standard EMU platform and represents a comprehensive technological iteration and upgrade. From a technical perspective, it achieves breakthroughs in three major integrated technology packages: drag reduction and energy consumption reduction, vibration and peak noise reduction, and full-factor lightweight system integration. It also advances three major system technologies—high-power permanent-magnet traction, time-sensitive train network communication, and multi-level controlled braking—as well as a number of key technologies such as high-critical-speed, high-safety bogies.

The project aims to enable 400 km/h operation while maintaining key performance indicators—such as energy consumption, interior noise levels, and braking distance—at levels comparable to those of trains operating at 350 km/h. For the first time globally, boundary conditions and top-level performance targets were validated through real-line testing. Starting from operational requirements, the project established technical specifications and carried out over one hundred experimental tests to study how parameters change as train speeds increase. These tests collected data under different speeds and operating conditions—including bridges, tunnels, and curved tracks—to understand environmental characteristics and operational behavior.

Through these studies, the CR450 system minimizes reliance on upgrades to existing railway infrastructure. As a result, it aims to increase operating speeds on existing lines from 350 km/h to 400 km/h with minimal cost and without requiring major infrastructure reconstruction.

The CR450 Technology Innovation Program is a comprehensive systems engineering initiative. In addition to improvements in train technology and speed, it covers infrastructure development, communication and signaling systems, network technologies, and even passenger cabin services. The project is also a demonstration of multidisciplinary collaboration and cross-industry innovation. Beyond rail and urban transit technologies, it promotes advancements in structural engineering, materials science, electronics, and communications technologies. Technological breakthroughs generated during the development process contribute not only to the rail sector but also benefit other industries, helping advance China’s overall scientific and technological capabilities.

Higher Speed

Through optimized aerodynamic design, carbody structure, and traction systems, the CR450 can support commercial operation at 400 km/h and achieve test speeds of 450 km/h or higher.

The train adopts permanent-magnet traction motors, which improve energy conversion efficiency by more than 3% compared with asynchronous traction motors.

Its braking performance is also outstanding: the braking distance from 400 km/h to a full stop is less than 6,500 meters, which is roughly equivalent to the braking distance of the CR400 EMU operating at 350 km/h, achieving higher operating speed without increasing braking distance.

Greater Safety

The train features a high-performance braking system that integrates eddy-current braking and carbon-ceramic brake discs, allowing braking distances comparable to those of the CR400 operating at 350 km/h.

Both active and passive safety measures have been optimized across the entire train system to ensure maximum operational safety.

Higher Energy Efficiency

The CR450 reduces the cross-sectional size of the carbody and adopts new materials such as carbon-fiber composites and magnesium alloys. By applying topology optimization techniques, the train achieves an overall weight reduction of about 10%.

In addition, improved aerodynamic design significantly lowers air resistance, resulting in an overall drag reduction of approximately 22%.

Greater Comfort

Operational noise levels have been reduced, while passenger cabin space has been expanded. The train offers various seating configurations including business-class seats, single private compartments, and four-person compartments.

Facilities such as accessible restrooms and a redesigned dining/bar area further enhance the passenger experience.

Greater Intelligence

The CR450 is equipped with intelligent monitoring and diagnostic systems, with more than 4,000 monitoring points throughout the train. These sensors collect real-time data such as axle temperature and pressure, enabling self-perception, self-diagnosis, and automated decision-making.
The train also adopts Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) for onboard communication, increasing real-time data transmission performance by ten times. The use of TSN enables faster information exchange and more precise control among train subsystems.

Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)

Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) is a network architecture based on Ethernet technology designed to provide high reliability, low latency, and precise time synchronization for data transmission.
It features real-time capability, synchronization, reliability, and flexibility, ensuring timely data delivery in applications with strict requirements for latency and jitter. Nodes within the network are strictly synchronized, ensuring that data is transmitted according to predetermined schedules.
Through redundant design and priority mechanisms, TSN ensures that critical data is transmitted with higher priority than other data, thereby improving the reliability and determinism of the entire communication system.