Thanks to magnetic levitation (maglev technology), a new Chinese train, the Red Rail, levitates on the track, and advances alone, without needing any energy to operate.
A magnetic aerial train, a new attraction in Jiangxi province
In the province of Jiangxi, in the south of China, an experimental train made up of two cars offers its passengers to fly over the ground at a height of 10 meters, at a speed twice as fast as the metro. As the South China Morning Post reports, unlike other trains operating with the same technology, this train uses permanent magnets rich in rare-earth elements to produce a constant repulsive force strong enough to lift up to 88 passengers at time, while keeping the cars suspended in the air. The conditions created by the system, without any friction, allow the vehicle to float indefinitely, and to move forward, even without electricity or any energy. The train is therefore able to glide silently along its track, at speeds of up to 50 mph.
Good results for the first tests
For these first 800 meters of testing, Xingguo authorities were optimistic. The province therefore wishes to extend the experimental line to 7.5 kilometers, to complete a complete circuit.
New mobilities are emerging
Due to growing environmental concern, mobility solutions based on supposedly cleaner energy sources are emerging, such as the electric flying cars and taxis we have been talking about recently. The modernization of trains, as an eco-responsible public transport solution, is becoming an increasingly present concern. In Canada, for example, the FluxJet, a very high-speed train, aims to meet new environmental demands and reduce dependence on fossil fuel planes and highways.