China’s new high-speed train just set a new speed record as the world’s fastest —  faster than an airplane

 452 km/ h (281 miles)  per hour

China’s cutting-edge high-speed maglev train is poised to revolutionize travel, potentially outpacing conventional air travel in terms of speed. During a recent test run, this groundbreaking train achieved an astonishing speed of 281 miles per hour, solidifying its position as the fastest train globally. Engineers are ambitiously aiming for a maximum speed of 621 mph, significantly surpassing the average cruising speeds of commercial flights, which typically range from 545 mph to 574 mph.

The key to this remarkable achievement lies in the innovative technology of magnetic levitation, or “maglev,” which allows the train to glide effortlessly on a cushion of air, eliminating both friction and noise pollution while enabling high-speed travel. This magnetic marvel employs superconducting magnets within a low-vacuum pipeline. These superconducting magnets, cooled to extreme temperatures, amplify the magnetic field, facilitating the train’s levitation and propulsion. As the train moves, these magnets interact with metal on the pipeline’s walls, maintaining a stable levitation and propelling the train forward.

China has already implemented a maglev train system in Shanghai, connecting Pudong Airport to the Longyang Road station in the city center. Impressively, this 19-mile journey takes a mere seven minutes, showcasing the incredible efficiency of maglev technology.

China’s visionary plans extend beyond Shanghai, aiming to expand maglev technology to connect major cities with rural areas across the country. This ambitious endeavor is a vital component of the China Railway 450 Technology Innovation Project, featured in the nation’s fourteenth five-year plan spanning from 2021 to 2025. By enhancing connectivity nationwide, this project aims to reduce travel times and expenses for China’s vast population while concurrently curbing air pollution emissions from transportation.

The urgency for such eco-friendly innovations arises from a surge in transport emissions within China. The number of passenger cars skyrocketed from 19 million to 239 million between 2005 and 2020. Consequently, in 2018, China was accountable for 11% of the world’s transport-related air pollution emissions, second only to the United States. To meet its environmental commitments, China seeks to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and become a carbon-neutral nation by 2060. Maglev trains offer a promising solution as they generate no direct emissions and do not disrupt the natural landscape, allowing animals to safely cross underneath their tracks.

China’s super-fast maglev train is on track to become operational within the next three to ten years. As this innovation evolves, it promises to transform travel within the nation and significantly contribute to China’s sustainable and environmentally conscious future.