Chinese scientists have set a new maglev record by accelerating to 700 km/h

Chinese scientists have set a new maglev record by accelerating a tonne-scale vehicle to 700 km/h in under two seconds on a 400‑metre test track. The breakthrough demonstrates major advances in electromagnetic propulsion, power control and superconducting systems, strengthening China’s position in ultra‑high‑speed transport and supporting future hyperloop and aerospace applications.

Chinese researchers have reached a new milestone in high-speed transport technology, successfully propelling a tonne-scale maglev test vehicle to 700 kilometres per hour in under two seconds before safely bringing it to a halt. The trial was conducted on a 400-metre magnetic levitation track by a team at the National University of Defence Technology, marking a record-setting performance for superconducting electric maglev systems.

According to state broadcaster CCTV, the experiment establishes the fastest acceleration ever achieved by a maglev platform of this type. Video released on Thursday shows a stripped-down, chassis-like vehicle streaking along the short test line, briefly shrouded in mist as it surged forward almost instantly and decelerated just as sharply at the end of the run.

Researchers described the achievement as a major advance in both acceleration performance and high-power system control. The project reportedly overcame several long-standing technical hurdles, including ultra-high-speed electromagnetic propulsion, precision electric suspension and guidance, rapid conversion of high-power energy storage, and the operation of superconducting magnets under intense magnetic fields.

Beyond setting a new benchmark, the test highlights broader potential applications for the technology. CCTV noted that China has effectively joined the world’s leading group of nations developing ultra-high-speed maglev systems, opening the door to future concepts such as vacuum-tube maglev transport—often referred to as hyperloop—which could drastically cut intercity travel times.

The same electromagnetic acceleration principles demonstrated on the test track could also be adapted for aerospace uses, including assisted rocket launches or advanced testing platforms, suggesting the breakthrough may have implications well beyond rail transport.