China debuts bullet train that can operate in extremely cold temperatures

(CNN) — China has unveiled a new high-speed bullet train designed for extremely cold climates.

The CR400AF-G train, which can operate at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour (217 mph) in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit), is part of the Fuxing series of high-speed electric multiple-unit (EMU) trains developed and operated by the state-owned China State Railway Group.

Officials have yet to announce when the train will begin operations.

In a post on Chinese social media site WeChat, the China Railway Beijing Group — part of the China State Railway Group Company — ran through several of the train’s optimized components that aid its ability to withstand cold temperatures.

The brake system of China’s newest bullet train was designed to withstand extremely cold temperatures.

Chen Zhonghao/Xinhua/Getty Images

These include: bolts made with chromium-molybdenum alloy — a material that endures extremely low temperatures; silicone sealing strips, which prevent snow and ice from getting into the train body; temperature-resistant brake control devices; and stainless-steel pipes equipped with heating devices.

The train also features a streamlined low-resistance design, to help decrease energy consumption, and a lightweight aluminum alloy body.

China isn’t alone in having to adapt its bullet trains to extreme conditions.

In 2020, Japan launched its latest record-breaking bullet train and doesn’t only run faster and smoother — it’s also able to transport passengers to safety in the event of an earthquake.

The N700S can run up to 360 kilometers per hour, however the operating speed is capped at 285 kilometers per hour.

The train has an upgraded automatic control and braking system that allows it to halt faster in case of an emergency and is fitted with a lithium-ion battery self-propulsion system — the first of its kind in the world.

This system allows the train to run for a short distance on its own during a power outage and will make it possible for it to move to a safer location at low speed if stranded in a high-risk area — on a bridge or in a tunnel, for example — during an earthquake.

It entered into service July 1 and serves the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which links Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka.

World’s largest high-speed rail network

Running at the top speed of 431 kph, the train links Shanghai Pudong Airport and Longyang Road in the eastern side of Shanghai.

This time last year, China unveiled a new 174-kilometer high-speed railway line connecting Beijing with 2022 Winter Olympics host city Zhangjiakou, cutting the travel time between the two from three hours to 47 minutes.

The train running on that line is also part of China’s Fuxing series and can run up to 350 kilometers per hour (217 mph) without a driver — said to be a world first.