China tests next-gen subway train with touch-panel windows

The new carbon fiber train can reach nearly 90 miles per hour, but some question if it’s too costly or even necessary

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The train has been running closed trial runs on the Line 8 track of the Guangzhou Metro. (Picture: Guangzhouzengchengfabu/WeChat)

Published: 10:00am, 3 Dec 2019

This article originally appeared on ABACUS

China has been working on a next-gen subway train that’s lighter, faster and high-tech. Now it’s getting a trial run in Guangzhou.

The Guangzhou government says the new train can reach speeds of 140 kilometers per hour (87 miles per hour), which is 75% faster than current subway trains. This is because it’s made of carbon fiber composite, making it 13% lighter. It’s also 15% more efficient thanks to the addition of a silicon carbide inverter and permanent magnet synchronous motor.

The train has been doing closed trial runs on Line 8 of the Guangzhou Metro. (Picture: Guangzhouzengchengfabu/WeChat)

But the train isn’t just faster. It includes high-tech upgrades like translucent touch-panels for windows, although it’s not yet known what those touch-enabled windows will be used for.

The window turns into a huge touch display. (Picture: Guangzhouzengchengfabu/WeChat)

The trains are also said to have better sound insulation that will reduce the noise in the cars by more than five decibels.

The government hasn’t said when the trains will be rolled out publicly. (Picture: Guangzhouzengchengfabu/WeChat)

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