#China #CRRC #Ürümqi #XUANKUN #VELFORCE

CRRC Launches XUANKUN (VELFORCE) at China-Eurasia Expo

On June 27, 2026, CRRC Corporation Limited unveiled the XUANKUN (VELFORCE) at the 9th China-Eurasia Expo held in Urumqi, China. This innovative locomotive represents a significant advancement in the realm of freight rail transportation, particularly designed for Central Asia's industrial needs and aligned with the One Belt, One Road initiative. This unveiling highlights CRRC's commitment to developing green cargo corridors and providing customized railway solutions that meet the demands of the mining, energy, and metallurgy sectors prevalent throughout Central Asia.

The XUANKUN (VELFORCE) Series

The XUANKUN (VELFORCE) is the second product in the CRRC Xuan series. The name 'XUANKUN' draws inspiration from the Kunlun Mountains, which stretch along the border between China and Central Asia. This connection signifies not just geographical proximity, but also a commitment to robust engineering and reliable clean energy solutions. The VELFORCE series features locomotives with power outputs ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 kW, incorporating three types of hybrid transmission systems: diesel and battery, purely battery-operated, and hydrogen fuel cells.

Built to withstand extreme weather conditions typical of the region’s climate and the rigorous demands of mining transport, the platform allows for modular configurations tailored to specific operational requirements. CRRC’s XUANKUN locomotives offer significant integrated advantages in terms of safety, environmental friendliness, efficiency, intelligence, and cost-effectiveness.

Environmental Impact and Efficiency

The robust architecture of the XUANKUN ensures dual-layer protection for vehicles and components, coupled with real-time monitoring and automatic emergency braking systems. Noteworthy are the hybrid locomotives, which reduce pollutant emissions by 4 tons per year and CO₂ emissions by 374 tons—equivalent to planting 34,000 trees. The battery and hydrogen models boast zero emissions, leading the charge towards sustainability. When hauling 3,000 tons, the hybrid models can cover more than 1,100 kilometers on a single charge, a 1.7-fold increase over conventional units, achieving fuel savings of more than 45%.

Innovative Features

The XUANKUN series also embraces cutting-edge technology with features like AI-powered voice control, one-button operation, active obstacle avoidance, precise coupling mechanisms, and autonomous operation capabilities—all designed to enhance safety and productivity in remote areas. The modular architecture facilitates tailored adaptations based on climate conditions, alongside extended service intervals that contribute to lower operational costs over the lifespan of the locomotives.

Strategic Vision and Future Directions

Tian Jun, Chief Engineer of the National Railway Administration, emphasized the adaptability of the platform to various operational scenarios, confirming its vital role in supporting the green evolution of railways along Eurasian routes. Wang Feng, CEO of CRRC, reiterated the company’s commitment to advancing national transportation strategies and aligning with China’s carbon emission reduction initiatives. The launch of the XUANKUN signifies a pivotal moment for the systematic, brand-driven, and international growth of new energy locomotives, aiming for breakthroughs in core technologies and comprehensive life-cycle service systems.

CRRC displayed over 30 cutting-edge products at the expo, including the benchmark export locomotives for Uzbekistan—key to the Central Asian railway projects—tourist trams in Lijiang, magnetic levitation systems, double-deck container platforms, heavy hopper wagons for coal transportation, and X12 new energy buses.

Energy solutions showcased included platforms for energy storage, Yunshu 2.0 converters, network formation technology, and Gobi Desert wind turbines, integrated with Zhuolun industrial AI for preventive maintenance of vehicle fleets. By combining green propulsion with intelligent digital services, CRRC positions the XUANKUN as a practical method to decarbonize industrial rail networks and cross-border freight routes in Central Asia.