A Chinese-built maglev train that will be the nation’s fastest-ever ground transport vehicle has made its public debut in Beijing, an ambitious project that is expected to drastically reduce travel times and cement China’s reputation as a world leader in high-speed rail networks. The train, which can reach speeds of 600 km/h, was unveiled at the 17th Modern Railways exhibition, offering a futuristic glimpse of China’s rail transport aspirations. Developed by the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), the train features a sleek, aerodynamic shape with a pointed nose to reduce drag from air moving past. Video CCTV showed a large video screen inside a futuristic interior. Representatives said the first phase of engineering was completed in July last year. More route and safety tests and engineering viability assessments will be carried out before the train can go into commercial service. The train will serve as a “point-to-point transport tool” between major cities as an addition to the existing railway network. At the top speed of 600 km/h, the maglev could slash traveling time between Beijing and Shanghai of 5½ hours by high-speed rail to as little as 2½ hours.
Senior CRRC Engineer Shao said that they expected to “fill the speed gap between high-speed rail and aviation within 2,000 km”, combining the punctuality and safety of rail transport with the speed of air travel. The superconducting electric high-speed magnetic levitation technology promises more environmentally friendly transport and energy efficiency. The benefits include higher speed, lower operating noise and no emissions. There is also lower long-term maintenance due to the non-contact system reducing friction and mechanical wear. Magnetic levitation uses electromagnetic induction between the onboard superconducting magnet and the track, which takes over after reaching 150 km/h, enabling the train to hover. Before that threshold, rubber wheels carry the train.
“This model is equipped with a fully automated driving function, which requires integrating a variety of technologies such as 5G communication, AI video capture, acoustic sensing, and the deployment of various types of sensors along the line,” Shao said.
China’s first maglev line opened in 2003 with a German-built link connecting Shanghai Pudong International Airport with the city. Last year, China conducted a milestone test run of its maglev hyperloop project, designed to reach a top speed of 1,000 km/h, verifying key technologies. Hyperloop technology – still in the experimental phase – uses low-pressure vacuum tubes with magnetic propulsion systems to move trains at extreme speeds, the South China Morning Post reports.
