In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers in the Chinese mainland have accelerated a magnetic levitation (maglev) train to an astonishing speed of 650 km/h in just seven seconds. The test, conducted at the Donghu Laboratory in central China’s Hubei Province, marks a significant milestone in high-speed rail technology.
The maglev train, weighing 1.1 tonnes, reached this remarkable speed over a running distance of 600 meters on a specially designed 1,000-meter test track. “This is the fastest speed in the world,” said Li Weichao, director of the High-speed Maglev Electromagnetic Propulsion Technology Innovation Center at the laboratory.
Unlike conventional speed tests that require tracks stretching 30 to 40 kilometers, the new test track employs a short-distance acceleration method. This innovative approach demands ultra-precise speed and positioning measurements, with accuracy reaching up to 4 millimeters. “The current speed measurement and positioning accuracy can reach up to 4 millimeters,” Li noted.
Using advanced magnetic levitation support and electromagnetic propulsion systems, the maglev train levitates above the track without physical contact, minimizing friction and allowing for rapid acceleration. Under the influence of electromagnetic forces, a “like-pole repulsion” effect occurs between the train and the track, enabling it to break through air resistance efficiently.
Li emphasized that 650 km/h is not the ultimate goal for the test line. “Its typical operating speed is 800 km/h. The entire construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year, and the platform will meet the conditions for acceptance,” he explained.
In addition to achieving unprecedented acceleration, the advanced technologies allow the train to decelerate to zero in just 200 meters. With precise control of both acceleration and braking, the test track is set to become a crucial platform for high-speed train research and the development of other advanced transportation technologies.
Li also highlighted potential applications in civilian sectors, noting that the technologies used in the test line are already being applied in other research facilities. This breakthrough could pave the way for faster and more efficient transportation, transforming travel and commerce.
