China's first permanent magnet subway train goes into service in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province. [Photo/Hunan Daily]

China's first permanent magnet subway train, which saves up to 30 percent energy compared with traditional trains, has gone into service in central China's Hunan Province.

The subway train, in provincial capital Changsha, is equipped with a permanent magnet tractor system which has higher power density and is more power efficient, Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co. Ltd. announced.

The train was developed by Changsha Metro Group, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co. Ltd., and Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co. Ltd.

If used on all subways in Changsha, the system could save the city 5.5 million yuan (US$830,000) of power cost every year, according to the announcement.

International train maker Alstom and Bombardier have used permanent magnet tractor technology in Japan and France.

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