On September 9, the first hydrogen-powered ART (Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit) vehicle from the batch order for the Kuching ART project in Malaysia rolled off the production line at the Yibin ART factory of CRRC Zhuzhou Institute Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "CRRC Zhuzhou Institute"). This marks the first mass-produced ART train to roll off the line, following the delivery of the world's first hydrogen-powered ART prototype in July last year, which underwent trial runs in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Compared with the prototype, the first mass-produced new hydrogen-powered ART vehicle features more upgrades and optimizations in intelligence, comfort, and energy conservation and environmental protection. For instance, it achieves GOA3 full-scenario autonomous driving capability with a higher level of intelligent driving; the vehicle adopts a distributed independent suspension power system, providing wider aisles and better comfort; it has a 10% gradeability, making it suitable for various road environments; and through lightweight design, the vehicle is significantly reduced in weight, making it more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Based on user travel characteristics, the carriage also adds multi-functional configurations such as extensive luggage areas, wheelchair parking areas, and bicycle parking areas, making the space design more humanized.

The ART was globally pioneered by CRRC Zhuzhou Institute and is an innovative intelligent rail transit system that integrates the advantages of both rail transit and public transportation. The Kuching ART project in Malaysia, which the company won the bid for, will deliver and put into service 38 hydrogen-powered ART trains in phases, with an estimated 17 of them to be delivered before 2025 and put into operation by the end of 2025.

These hydrogen-powered ART vehicles will be gradually deployed on the Blue, Red, and Green lines of the urban transportation system in Kuching, Malaysia, running between Kuching and Kota Samarahan. The deployment of hydrogen-powered ART will greatly optimize the local urban public transportation network, improve residents' travel experience, and promote the modernization and upgrading of Kuching's public transportation system.