Recently, a "Made in China" high-speed train was exported from China to Europe with such a low profile that there was little news even after the train was developed and manufactured until it left the factory. It is also the first time that a China-made high-speed train at speed level of 200km/h has gone abroad since the CRH380A for Hong Kong MTR. However, strictly speaking, the train on the way to Europe at the moment is not another successful practice of "going abroad" of China high-speed rail, but only the customization of European request for "processing with supplied drawings ".
On July 24, as announced by Bombardier Transportation on its social media, the car body of the new-generation Zefiro Express intercity train which will be put into operation by Västtrafik Public Transport Company has rolled off the production line located in Bombardier Sifang (Qingdao) Transportation Ltd (Qingdao BST), and the car body part has been shipped from China to Europe for final assembly.
This brand new Zefiro Express is in a continuous line with the Regina EMU. The train is 3-car configured, with a design speed of 200km/h and a seating capacity of 270 people. The design sketch released some time ago shows that the train uses a large door in the middle of the carriage, which is similar to the Regina EMU; and this is for the convenience of passenger getting on and off from the commuter. The first and last cars are equipped with high doors and high floors, while the middle cars with low doors and low floors, so as to realize a barrier-free access for wheelchairs, strollers and bicycles. In Europe, where low platforms are widely built, low floors and accessibility are not only a standardized facilities, but also an essential technical requirement specified in the tenders.
In line with the traditional Regina high-speed EMU operated by Västtrafik, the new high-speed train also features an ultra-wide body of wider than 3m, and a layout of a three-plus-two seating, while WiFi is available in the cars. The design is for sake of maximize seating capacity and improving passenger comfort, which is attractive with more passengers. But it the case that this design concept is quite rare in Europe where the gauge & gap between vehicle and infrastructure are relatively small.
As for the technology, in order to adjust to the harsh winter snow and ice in Sweden, not only is the train capable of operating at -40 ° C, but the head of car design has also been specially optimized. For instance, the headlights are put as high as possible to avoid snow accumulation, and the headstock barrier is enlarged to clear snow from the line. Like Regina, the couplers on Zefiro Express EMU are fully exposed to the outer environment, without the normal hook-fairing of high-speed trains.
As introduced by Bombardier, to reflect the regional Nordic character of Vasttrafik, the new train, which has been designed with a team of architects, uses the Language of Scandinavia throughout its exterior and interior to "create a tranquil atmosphere and a reliable and relaxing journey" for passengers. Meanwhile, with this excellent work, the design team has also won a number of awards including the Brandenburg Industrial Design Award.
Article source: railvision
