China has once again pushed the boundaries of high-speed transportation by setting a new world speed record for a maglev (magnetic levitation) train. In a successful trial run on June 17, a prototype train reached an astonishing 650 kilometers per hour in just seven seconds.
The test was conducted at the Donghu Laboratory High-Speed Magnetic Levitation Electromagnetic Propulsion Technology Innovation Centre in Hubei province. The sleek, 1.1-tonne prototype accelerated down a 1-kilometer test track using advanced electromagnetic propulsion and short-distance boost technology.
According to Li Weichao, director of the center, the test train demonstrated a positioning accuracy of within 4 millimeters and safely braked within 220 meters, thanks to an innovative combination of electromagnetic boost brakes and precision speed measurement systems.
“This trial marks a significant breakthrough in maglev technology and opens the path to future speeds of up to 800 km/h,” Li stated.
- Speed Achieved: 650 km/h
- Acceleration Time: 7 seconds
- Brake Distance: 220 meters
- Propulsion Tech: Short-distance electromagnetic boost
- Next Target: 800 km/h maglev train
- Test Location: Donghu Lab, Hubei, China
China is already home to several operational maglev routes in Shanghai, Beijing, and Changsha. In 2023, it began constructing the first inter-city maglev line between Changsha and Liuyang, designed for speeds of up to 160 km/h.
With this new milestone, China reinforces its position as a global leader in futuristic transportation, hinting at a future where ultra-high-speed travel could reshape domestic and international mobility.
