The next-generation bullet trains have a maximum operational speed of 400 kilometers per hour. (Photo : Getty Images)
The newest member of the China bullet train family has been unveiled last Friday at the CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicle Co. in Changchun, the capital of northeast China's Jilin Province.
The CRH5E is the first China bullet train with seats that can be converted into berths for round-the-clock operations. Thirteen out of the 16 train cars have compartments with both seats and beds.
Sleeper passengers can sleep soundly in the berths at night while non-sleepers can enjoy their cozy seats in the morning. These seats are equipped with a backrest, armrests, and cup holders in order to maximize passengers' comfort.
As an added feature, the passengers have free access to WiFi. They can also charge their electric devices with the installed sockets or USB ports.
Due to its black and white design, the CRH5E is also known to passengers as “Panda.” The train appears to have two black eyes on its front car.
Aside from its convertible seats and beautiful aesthetics, what also sets the CRH5E apart is its ability to operate at high altitude, strong winds, sandy places, and cold weather. It has been developed to function even in temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius.
According to the manager, the train has sound proofing and vibration damping systems. They can reduce noise inside the train cars to 65 decibels when the train runs at a maximum speed of 250 km per hour.
Before launch, the CRH5E has successfully passed 14 tests which include the empty weighing test, the network test, the curve test, the passenger compartment illumination test, the noise test, and the loop line test.
Experts say that the development of the CRH5E has widened the range of high-speed trains in China. It has also become a model of local technological innovations.
Officials are positive that the CHR5E would enhance the global competitiveness of China’s train technology.
