World’s fastest electric multiple unit enters final testing phase on key high-speed rail corridor.
CR450 Hits 450 km/h as Final Trials Begin on Shanghai–Chongqing–Chengdu Line
China’s new CR450 high-speed train has reached a top speed of 450 km/h, setting a new global benchmark for electric multiple units (EMUs). The cutting-edge train is currently undergoing final operational testing along the Shanghai–Chongqing–Chengdu high-speed rail corridor, one of the country’s most strategic transport routes.
Dubbed the world’s fastest EMU, the CR450 must log 600,000 kilometres of test runs before it can be approved for commercial passenger service. The prototype, first unveiled in late 2024, has already undergone extensive trials and consistently met all key safety and performance standards.
This breakthrough is part of China’s ambitious plan to upgrade national transport infrastructure and strengthen its dominance in high-speed rail technology. The CR450’s performance reflects years of dedicated engineering aimed at improving speed, safety, and efficiency.
Innovative Design Cuts Drag, Boosts Speed and Acceleration
The CR450 owes its exceptional speed to a series of aerodynamic and structural improvements. Engineers extended the train’s nose cone from 12.5 to 15 metres, dramatically reducing air resistance. By fully enclosing bogies and lowering skirt panels, the train’s overall drag has been cut by 22%, enhancing both speed and stability.
In addition, the train is 20 cm lower and 50 tonnes lighter than its predecessor, the Fuxing EMU. These refinements give the CR450 rapid acceleration, allowing it to reach 350 km/h in just 4 minutes and 40 seconds — a full 100 seconds faster than current models.
Since the project’s launch in 2021, Chinese engineers have meticulously refined the train’s design. Even drag reductions as small as 0.1% were implemented, highlighting the project’s focus on precision engineering and performance.
CR450 Reinforces China’s Leadership in High-Speed Rail
The CR450 is part of China’s broader strategy to enhance passenger and freight transport efficiency. The country already boasts the world’s largest high-speed rail network, integrated into a transport system spanning over 6 million kilometres.
During testing, the CR450 not only reached 453 km/h but also achieved a relative passing speed of 896 km/h — both setting new world records for rail technology. These feats solidify China’s position as a global leader in high-speed rail innovation.
With commercial rollout expected soon, the CR450 marks a significant leap forward in ultra-high-speed, sustainable transportation, redefining how fast and efficient rail travel can be.
