China’s next-generation maglev trains, which can achieve 1,000 km/h (621 mph), are changing the future of high-speed travel. With state-of-the-art 5G connectivity, these trains promise not only previously unheard-of speeds but also a seamless digital experience, allowing passengers to play online games or stream ultra-HD videos while in travel.
At the moment, China’s high-speed trains can travel through tunnels at 350 km/h (217 mph) with dependable 5G service. The new maglev trains use near-vacuum tubes to move at speeds that are intended to exceed those of commercial airlines. By drastically lowering air resistance, this method enables quicker and more effective travel.
A significant technical hurdle for these near-sonic-speed trains is maintaining stable mobile communication. Signal frequency shifts as the train accelerates disrupt data transfer. Researchers at Southeast University, led by Professor Song Tiecheng, have proposed a novel solution: laying two parallel electromagnetic signal-emitting cables along the tube walls. This method ensures stable connections by minimizing disruptions caused by frequency shifts. Initial simulations have validated its potential to support uninterrupted 5G connectivity.
Joining the endeavor is China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, which is testing full-scale prototypes for propulsion at the largest vacuum-tube maglev research site in the world, located in Shanxi province.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, first suggested the hyperloop, a high-speed ground transportation system that was shelved because of technological and budgetary difficulties. China is now the leader in this field thanks to its more than 15 years of experience with high-speed rail systems.
The first commercial hyperloop line is being proposed, and cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen are competing for approval. A Guangzhou-Shenzhen corridor to link two important economic centers and a Beijing-Shijiazhuang line to ease traffic are two possible routes.
China’s relentless pursuit of advanced rail technologies underscores its ambition to dominate the future of transportation, transforming intercity travel into a seamless, high-speed experience.