Try Spotting This Train

CRRC, the world’s largest train maker, has unveiled a prototype magnetic levitation (maglev) train that’s sleek and “Super fast!” The maglev is headed for testing and scheduled to go into commercial production in 2021.

What’s super fast? At a ~372 mph top speed, this maglev would give Thomas the Tank Engine whiplash. In the minute it takes you to read this story, it could cover 6.2 miles.

Not your grandparents’ train

If you’re curious about how these trains work, it’s all in the name. A set of powerful electromagnets levitate and propel the train forward without the friction of traditional tracks.

Zoom out: Maglevs have been conceptualized and discussed for decades. But they’re pricey and have only been operationally implemented in a few high-density spots in Asia. Now, these countries are breaking ground on new projects...and their high-speed train builders want to export the railway tech to nations still stuck on the Orient Express.