China has once again secured the world record for the fastest train. Built in Jinan, China by the Institute of Electrical Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Science, the train is able to reach speeds of 1030km/h (640mph). This breaks their previous record of the world’s fastest commercial train that reached speeds of 431km/h (268mph). Just under the speed of sound, the “electromagnetic sled” is able to reach such speeds using magnetic levitation, aka maglev, technology and the world’s most powerful magnetic propulsion system. 

Using a coil inside the train and a track that provides a strong magnetic field, the magnetic field produces an electromagnetic force, propelling the train forward with attractive forces. And due to the lack of friction between the train and the magnets that levitate the train on the track, the train is able to accelerate faster than commonly used wheeled transit train systems. On top of reaching high speeds, the train also produces less pollution, which is important for China’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

The history of magnetically levitated trains begins in 1909 when American scientist Robert Goddard introduced the concept of a linear maglev train, and Japanese engineer Yoshihiro Kyotani later put the concept into use. The Japanese National Railways (JNR), a company that operated Japan’s railways from 1949 to 1987, began leading the investment in linear propulsion technology in 1962, in order to facilitate travel from Tokyo to Osaka. Finally, in 2011, the Japanese government approved the construction of the maglev train line to connect Tokyo’s Shinagawa station and Nagoya to Osaka. 

With an exponentially growing population, China also began to seek out fast and inexpensive transportation. In 1979, the International Transportation Exhibition showcased the Shanghai Transrapid train parts that were built in Germany. The actual initiation for construction of the train in China began in December 2002. With a speed of 431km/h, the Shanghai Maglev Line became the world’s fastest commercial train in operation.

The development of such high speed trains represents the importance of progress around the world and the rapid development of future technologies in China.