China's CR450 high-speed train marks breakthrough in commercial speed trial

China's newly-unveiled CR450 bullet train, with a top speed of 450 kilometers per hour (kph) and a commercial operating speed of 400 kph, is set to mark a milestone in the speed of commercial operation of high-speed railways, promising faster, safer and more energy-efficient journeys.

A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kph debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The train is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in test.

Since 2018, China has been researching the foundational theories and key technologies for high-speed rail operating at 400 kph.

After seven years of development, the CR450 prototype was launched, marking a significant milestone as the country completes its exploration into commercial operations at an unprecedented speed.

In 2021, the CR450 technological innovation project was officially launched, focusing on the development of the 400-kph CR450 train and integrated high-speed rail infrastructure technologies.

By 2022, the CR450's technical specifications were finalized and rigorous tests and simulations were conducted.

In 2022 and 2023, new components were tested on the CR450 train on the Mile-Mengzi and Fuzhou-Xiamen-Zhangzhou high-speed railways to verify key technologies and component performance.

In 2024, production of the CR450 prototype began, incorporating smart manufacturing techniques and robust quality control to ensure the smooth rollout of the first train.

"The CR450 train is a new generation of trains developed to strengthen and expand China's leadership in high-speed rail technology. It features a higher speed, enhanced safety, greater energy efficiency, smarter operation and improved passenger comfort," said Zhao Hongwei, chief researcher of the China Academy of Railway Sciences.

The CR450's key performance indicators, namely operating speed, energy consumption, interior noise and braking distance, are setting a new international benchmark.

The train is 22 percent more energy-efficient, with a 10-percent reduction in weight and a 2-decibel reduction in cabin noise.

Passenger service space has increased by 4 percent and intelligent features, including advanced train control, driver interaction, safety monitoring and passenger services, have been upgraded.

"Next, we will meticulously organize and schedule a series of tests and assessments in multiple scenarios and at various speed levels to further evaluate the CR450's performance and accelerate its readiness for commercial operation," said Zhang Dayong, director of the Science and Information Technology Department of China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

China's CR450 high-speed train marks breakthrough in commercial speed trial

China's CR450 high-speed train marks breakthrough in commercial speed trial

China's CR450 high-speed train marks breakthrough in commercial speed trial

China's CR450 high-speed train marks breakthrough in commercial speed trial

European Union (EU) countries gave final approval on Thursday to an amendment of the European Climate Law, setting a binding intermediate target to cut the bloc's net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2040 compared with 1990 levels, reinforcing the EU's path toward climate neutrality by 2050.

Under the amended law, from 2036 EU member states will be allowed to count "high-quality international credits" towards meeting the 2040 target, capped at 5 percent of the EU's 1990 net emissions. This means at least 85 percent of the emissions reductions must be achieved within the bloc, the Council of the EU said in a statement.

The credits must be based on credible greenhouse gas reduction activities in partner countries and be aligned with the Paris Agreement, the statement added.

The amended law also delays the launch of the EU's emissions trading system covering road transport, buildings and other sectors, shifting its start date from 2027 to 2028.

The adoption of the amendment marks the final step in the legislative process. The amended regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU and will apply directly across all EU member states.

The European Climate Law was first adopted in 2021, setting a legally binding target of climate neutrality by 2050 and a 2030 goal to cut net emissions by at least 55 percent from 1990 levels.

EU countries approves 2040 target to cut net emissions by 90 pct