The Chinese company China Energy Railway Equipment Co., Ltd. has released its first batch of carbon fiber open freight cars in the city of Qiqihar, located in Heilongjiang Province, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

China Introduces the First Carbon Fiber Open Freight Cars
Photo: Ecns.cn

This is a significant milestone for China’s railway industry, as the new freight cars are substantially different from traditional steel models. A total of six trains made from these innovative cars are planned for production.

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One of the key advantages of these open freight cars is their load capacity, which amounts to 82 tons. The volume of the body is 94.3 cubic meters, making them versatile for transporting various types of cargo.

The primary material – carbon fiber – is significantly stronger than steel, outperforming it in strength by 3 to 5 times. However, the weight of the open freight cars has been reduced, with each car weighing only 18 tons, which is 6 tons lighter than comparable steel models.

This not only reduces transportation costs but also extends their service life – up to 25 years without the need for major repairs.

A special feature of the new freight car design is its unique unloading system. Thanks to a hatch located at the bottom of the car, it can be unloaded while in motion, significantly reducing unloading time.

According to the manufacturer, the entire train can be fully unloaded in just 20 seconds. This innovation makes carbon fiber cars more efficient in the context of modern logistics.

It’s worth noting that the use of carbon fiber is becoming increasingly popular in various sectors of transportation. Earlier this year, the Chinese company Qingdao Sifang Rolling Stock Co. completed testing and is preparing to launch the world’s first carbon fiber passenger subway train.

The Cetrovo 1.0 train, thanks to the use of this material, became 11% lighter than its traditional counterparts, which also positively affects its performance.

New carbon fiber-based technologies open up broad prospects for China’s railway industry, offering solutions that combine high strength, lightness, and durability.

Photo: Ecns.cn

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