Guangzhou Metro’s new train for Line 12 unveiled

On December 16, the green and intelligent urban rail train, jointly developed by Guangzhou Metro Group and CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd., was officially unveiled at the CRRC Zhuzhou base in Guangzhou. The new train incorporates 38 industry-leading innovations, enhancing safety, intelligence, and green energy efficiency, while offering passengers a more convenient and comfortable experience.

(Photo: Nanfang Plus)

The new train will be deployed on Guangzhou Metro Line 12. According to the latest progress report on ongoing construction lines released by Guangzhou Metro earlier December, nearly 90% of the civil engineering work for Line 12 (from Xunfenggang to Higher Education Mega Center S.) has been completed.

Guangzhou Metro's green and intelligent urban rail vehicle is based on the serialized Chinese standard metro platform for A-type vehicles with an 80 km/h speed. Intelligence and green energy are the two prominent features of the new train. Additionally, newly added passenger-friendly facilities such as OLED window screens, hearing assistance for the hearing impaired, intelligent temperature control and dehumidification, smart light adjustment, USB/wireless charging, and other features will provide passengers with an even more convenient and comfortable experience.

The OLED window screens can display subway guidelines and other relevant information. (Photo: Nanfang Plus)

Equipped with active suspension technology, the new train can adaptively adjust the suspension according to line conditions, improving lateral stability and enhancing vehicle stability during changes in road conditions such as small-radius turns or uphill sections. 

Interior view of the new train. (Photo: Nanfang Plus)

The new train has an electromechanical braking system that responds about 30% faster than traditional air braking. This system offers higher braking accuracy and smoother braking. The non-contact vehicle entry system simplifies the driver's entry into the driver's cab, eliminating the need for a traditional key to open the door.

The new train adopts various energy-saving and environmentally friendly technologies, such as a full silicon carbide converter permanent magnet traction system. Compared with traditional asynchronous traction vehicles, the entire train can save more than 15% in energy consumption. It also uses DC 600V auxiliary power supply technology to achieve further energy savings, employs new environmentally friendly refrigerants to reduce the greenhouse effect further, and utilizes electrostatic powder coating technology for interior materials to achieve zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds, such as formaldehyde) emissions during manufacturing. 

Round light sensors can perceive ambient light and adjust lighting brightness and colour temperature. (Photo: Nanfang Plus)

The new train also features intelligent air conditioning in the cabins. Unlike traditional cabins with fixed air conditioning temperatures, the new train can automatically control and adjust the temperature based on passenger load and season. It also has a dehumidification function, enhancing riding comfort. The middle carriages are equipped with multifunctional charging and resting areas, including wireless charging zones and Type-C and USB ports.

Multifunctional charging and resting area with wireless charging zones and wired Type-C and USB charging ports. (Photo: Nanfang Plus)

Wireless charging zone. (Photo: Nanfang Plus)

Some carriages have electric tidal seating, which can be electrically folded down or stored. During peak travel times, folding the seats can increase passenger capacity, further facilitating passenger travel.

Tidal seating in the stored position can be electrically controlled to be lowered. (Photo: Nanfang Plus)

Guangzhou Metro will continue to undergo large-scale construction for the next five years. The next step will focus on safety, efficiency, and service, starting from practical front-line application needs and guiding technological innovation.