[CN] Chinese Experimental Maglev Sets 800 km/h Record in 5.3 Seconds on 1 km Track
Source: RailwayPro
Original title:
Record set by an experimental maglev in China
Date: August 13, 2026
Original language: English
Web link:
https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/record-se ... -in-china/
Accessed: August 13, 2026
An experimental Chinese maglev vehicle set a world record, accelerating from 0 to 800 km/h in just 5.3 seconds on a 1 km test track at Hubei’s Donghu Laboratory. The 1.11-tonne vehicle uses permanent magnet levitation and electromagnetic propulsion, reaching maximum speed at the 0.6 km mark before a controlled stop at the track’s end. The entire test lasted approximately eight seconds.
This achievement, on 24 November 2025, was the team’s third record in six months: 650 km/h (June 2025), 700 km/h (14 July 2025), and now 800 km/h. After reaching top speed, researchers spent a month verifying levitation stability at high speeds, speed control precision, and system efficiency and reliability. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was achieved in less than 0.7 seconds.
The system eliminates mechanical contact, allowing very high speeds but posing complex challenges in stability, control, and power supply. Chinese researchers developed systems to maintain stability against aerodynamic disturbances, control linear motors, accurately detect the vehicle’s position, and enable rapid communication between vehicle and infrastructure. Track precision is extreme: deviation from straightness must be maintained at ±1 mm, and level differences between track fastenings are limited to less than 0.5 mm.
However, this platform is experimental and not intended for commercial passenger transport. The laboratory envisages applications for future very-high-speed maglev systems, electromagnetic test platforms, aerospace launches, and other systems requiring rapid acceleration to very high speeds.