HUBEI PROVINCE, China – In a significant leap forward for ground transportation, a new magnetic levitation (maglev) train developed in China has successfully reached a speed of 650 kilometers per hour (approximately 404 mph). This achievement, a new world record for a maglev vehicle, was attained on June 17, 2025, during trials at the Donghu Laboratory High-Speed Magnetic Levitation Electromagnetic Propulsion Technology Innovation Centre in Hubei province, central China. The breakthrough marks a pivotal moment, potentially revolutionizing future land travel.
The prototype test vehicle, weighing 1.1 tonnes, showcased astonishing acceleration capabilities, reaching its peak speed from a standstill in just seven seconds, covering a distance of 600 meters. This rapid acceleration means the train achieves speeds comparable to a domestic jet airliner (around 700 km/h) almost immediately after departure, a feat that commercial aircraft typically require several minutes and a long runway to accomplish during takeoff.
The secret behind this rapid realization of ultra-high speed lies in the research team’s advanced electromagnetic propulsion system, which maximizes the inherent advantages of maglev technology. Unlike conventional trains that rely on wheels and rails, maglev trains are propelled by electromagnetic forces, floating above the track with no physical contact or friction. This absence of friction allows for exceptionally swift acceleration and deceleration. The Chinese researchers have engineered a high-performance propulsion system designed to harness this electromagnetic force to its fullest potential.
Furthermore, the new maglev train demonstrates remarkable braking efficiency. During tests, it successfully came to a complete stop from its top speed within a mere 220 meters. This impressive control over both acceleration and deceleration is made possible by the exclusive reliance on electromagnetic forces rather than mechanical friction. The system also boasts ultra-precise positioning accuracy, maintained within a margin of 4 millimeters, crucial for high-speed operations on shorter test tracks.
This 650 km/h speed is not the ultimate ambition for the test line. According to Li Weichao, director of the High-Speed Maglev Electromagnetic Propulsion Technology Innovation Center at the Donghu Laboratory, the typical operating speed for this platform is designed to be 800 km/h. The entire construction of the test facility is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year, setting the stage for further advancements. China is also reportedly working on even more ambitious projects, including a 1,000 km/h maglev system targeting completion by 2030, with an 800 km/h low-vacuum maglev test line in Shanxi Province beginning construction soon.
While China already operates commercial maglev lines in cities like Beijing, Shanghai (with an operational speed of 430 km/h), and Changsha, this latest achievement surpasses the previous official world record of 603 km/h set by Japan’s JR Central L0 superconducting maglev in 2015. The advancements underscore China's growing leadership in high-speed rail and maglev technology, paving the way for a transformative impact on global ground transportation systems.
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