The CR450 high-speed train reached 453 km/h during pre-service testing, surpassing several speed records of other similar trains.
The train, developed by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), surpassed the 420 km/h of its predecessor, the CR400, and the Deutsche Bahn test record of 405 km/h. Science and Technology Daily (STD) called the CR450 the “world’s fastest electric multiple unit (EMU).”
Although there are faster trains, China’s maglev recently reached a speed of 650 km/h in seven seconds during testing. So the CR450’s speed is still remarkable for a wheeled train entering operational service.
The train is being tested on the Shanghai–Chongqing–Chengdu high-speed line, but its technical performance is still under evaluation. Before receiving a license to carry passengers, the CR450 must cover 600,000 kilometers under real-world conditions.
So far, all performance indicators have been approved by Chinese authorities. The technology will be tested under conditions closer to commercial operation next year. If the tests are successful, the high-speed train could be cleared for operation as early as 2026.
Photos: China Railway. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
