China's latest development in the world of high-speed rail is looking to take on a major hurdle in the fight to make transit more environmentally friendly: airplanes.
According to Railway Supply, China's T-Flight trains have been pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible with high-speed rail, reaching speeds of 387 miles per hour. But researchers aren't done yet. They're targeting a top speed of 621 miles per hour, which would make the T-Flight faster than commercial airliners.
The secret to T-Flight's incredible speed is its magnetic levitation technology. Maglev systems have been used for a while in high-speed trains, but the technology continues to improve. It uses magnets of opposite polarities to both keep the train off the ground and propel it forward along the track, eliminating friction and allowing the trains to reach incredible speeds quickly.
|
Would you be more likely to use a rideshare service that offers EV rides?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Absolutely 👍 When combined with the T-Flight's uniquely aerodynamic design and low-vacuum tubes, the maglev systems allow it to reach heretofore untouchable speeds for a train.
But T-Flight isn't just about speed; passenger comfort is also a concern. Fortunately, the train offers 5G Wi-Fi, addressing concerns about connectivity aboard high-speed trains.
Maglev and other high-speed trains are seen as the environmentally friendly alternative to short- and middle-distance continental plane trips. They use less energy and can be powered by greener sources, such as solar or wind power.
High-speed trains are popping up around the globe. Europe has lines being built connecting major cities around the continent, including one from Poland through the Baltic states and another from Barcelona to Toulouse. In Asia, a route from Jakarta to Bandung welcomed 5.79 million passengers in its first year, while in the United States, a line from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is under construction.
It's not clear when the T-Flight will be implemented for use, but China certainly remains on the cutting edge of high-speed rail travel.
Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
