World’s Fastest High-Speed Train Undergoes Testing in China
The CR450, hailed as the fastest electric train in the world, is currently undergoing operational testing on the Shanghai–Chongqing–Chengdu high-speed railway line. Since first hitting the tracks at the end of last year, the prototype has been subject to continuous and rigorous testing. After meeting all performance benchmarks — including reaching a maximum speed of 450 km/h — the next phase involves 600,000 km of fault-free operation before the train can enter commercial service.
How Did the CR450 Achieve Such Speed?
The breakthrough lies in aerodynamic and structural improvements. The train’s nose was extended from 12.5 meters (in current Fuxing trains, max 350 km/h) to 15 meters, significantly reducing air resistance.
Overall aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 22% through engineering solutions such as fully enclosed bogies, lowered skirts under the cars (minimizing airflow around the wheels), a 20 cm reduction in height, and a 50-ton weight reduction — techniques borrowed from race car design.
Over the past five years, engineers have continuously optimized aerodynamics, celebrating even 0.1% gains.
The CR450 accelerates from 0 to 350 km/h in just 4 minutes and 40 seconds, 100 seconds faster than Fuxing trains.
China’s Transportation Ambitions
China is rapidly pushing toward more efficient passenger transport and seamless freight movement. It now boasts the largest network of high-speed railways and expressways globally, forming part of an integrated transport infrastructure spanning over 6 million kilometers.
