What is Maglev?

Maglev stands for Magnetic Levitation and is not the name of some Russian scientist

More specifically, we are looking at Maglev in Japan. Japan’s new Maglev trains have clocked remarkable speeds of up to 603 kmph.

Simply put, a series of magnets push and pull the trains forward.

The train travels on wheels until it reaches 150 kmph, at which point it switches to magnetic levitation.

Permanent magnets and electromagnets constantly adjust the train to ensure a smooth ride at a very high speed.

But, for all intents and purposes, on the inside, it does not feel as though one is moving at all.

Maglev is not open for commercial purposes yet. Still, through a lottery system, people can win the chance to ride on the train and experience it.

These trains are a marked improvement on other Maglev trains worldwide, including Japan’s.

China and South Korea also boast of using Maglev, while Germany and the US have test tracks for their Maglev trains.

These Maglev trains are for short distances, such as covering airports.