China has reached a new world record in maglev technology by launching a 1.1-ton test vehicle to a speed of 650 kilometers per hour in just seven seconds. The test took place at Donghu Laboratory in Hubei Province on a short 1-kilometer test track.
This test is different from other maglev trials around the world because it used a sprint-style method. Normally, maglev trains need very long tracks, often 30 kilometers or more, to reach high speeds. But this test vehicle hit 650 kilometers per hour in only 600 meters.
The breakthrough came from combining powerful electromagnetic propulsion with magnetic levitation. This allowed the train to float just above the guideway, removing friction and making it easier to speed up and slow down.
Li Weichao, director of the High-Speed Maglev Electromagnetic Propulsion Technology Innovation Center at Donghu Laboratory said, “You can see that at the seven-second mark, the speed has increased to 650 kilometers per hour after 600 meters. This speed index is the highest ever worldwide.”
Li added that this record is not the final goal. The team is preparing for routine tests at 800 kilometers per hour by the end of the year once all construction is finished. He said, “Its typical operating speed is 800 kilometers per hour. The entire construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year, and the platform will meet the conditions for acceptance.”
State broadcaster CTGN reported that engineers designed the maglev system in the test for both high acceleration and safe braking. Additionally, high-precision controls can measure the train’s position to within four millimeters. As a result, the train can stop from top speed within 200 meters.
Specifically, a high-power linear motor, advanced sensors, and a special aerodynamic cover over the track make this possible. The cover reduces air drag. Therefore, the setup allows the laboratory to test trains at extreme speeds within a small space. Consequently, this cuts land costs and speeds up research.
China’s maglev program has come a long way in recent years. The country already has more kilometers of maglev train routes than any other nation. The famous Shanghai Maglev, built using German Transrapid technology, has been in operation since 2004 and runs at speeds of up to 430 kilometers per hour. China has been working hard to push maglev technology beyond simple airport connections.
In 2022, Chinese researchers introduced a high-temperature superconducting maglev prototype that was designed to cruise at 600 kilometers per hour. In 2024, tests began on a low-vacuum maglev concept aimed at reaching speeds of 1,000 kilometers per hour.
The new sprint test succeeded. As a result, this success means engineers can now test maglev vehicles on short tracks. Consequently, this could change how designers and builders design and build high-speed railways. Specifically, by reducing the size of test tracks, engineers can conduct more daily tests at lower costs. Therefore, this could help speed up the development of ultra-fast trains and related technologies.
Li Weichao explained that the Donghu research center is already sharing its technology with other research centers. This technology could one day serve many civilian purposes, not just passenger rail. He said, “There are numerous potential uses in civilian scenarios. Other research facilities are already promoting and using the technology from this test track.”
Li said, “The current speed measurement and positioning accuracy can reach up to four millimeters.” He also stressed that this record is only the start of what China hopes to achieve in high-speed maglev research. With this new testing method, China is leading the way in the race to build the fastest and most advanced train systems in the world.
