China launches world’s first maglev ‘sky train’ that floats in the air using permanent magnets

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China has launched the world’s first suspended maglev line built with permanent magnets that can keep a “sky train" afloat forever, even when it is not being supplied with power. The 800-metre (2,600-foot) experimental Red Rail in southern China’s Xingguo county, Jiangxi province, used powerful magnets rich in rare earth elements to produce a constantly repelling force strong enough to lift a train with 88 passengers in the air. Unlike most existing maglev lines, the suspended rail operates about 10 metres above the ground. There is no physical contact with the rail as the train moves underneath the rail at a speed of 80km/h (50mph).

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[cryingwater]

Impressive. Friction is the greatest energy thief, so this technology will save more energy and technically is greener compared to other train technologies

[jzeng]

The difference between the permanent magnet rail train and the traditional rail train is mainly in the difference of the motor. Compared with the excitation motor (traditional motor currently used), the permanent magnet motor has high energy density, and has obvious advantages in weight, volume and energy consumption, that is, it is more energy-saving, which represents the new development of train traction technology. If used on high-speed rail, it will be more energy efficient. However, the permanent magnet synchronous motor has a low temperature resistance limit, is difficult to manufacture, has a high cost, and requires a large amount of rare earth elements. China has quite mature experience in using permanent magnet synchronous motors, and almost all electric vehicles in China use permanent magnet synchronous motors.

[가엽-lr]

Clean energy, low cost, little noise ... we human deserve to live like this. Bravo China!

[princevimbai]

That's a great engineering feat. I'm a little curious though (for those who are more engineering savvy) is there any real advantages in it being suspended as opposed to just being the normal way? And can suspended maglev's also travel as fast as normal ones?

Still, a really impressive feat and the lack of power use for suspension makes it all a lot more efficient.

Edit: Thank you to all those who replied. I've read all your responses (at least at this moment in time) and I found them really insightful. I think the space issue is probably the most compelling one as it simplifies adding infrastructure and results in less preparation work (I'd guess). Thanks for being helpful and please keep them coming. Also just hope there are sufficient emergency fail safes (in the case the train has to be evacuated for whatever reason).

[Nobody_Here_Except-Us_Ghosts]

I wouldn't mind catching a ride on that train, it doesn't take more than it gives to be fit for purpose.
How smooth is the ride, the passengers looked as if they would be more steady on the train than the platform :)

It is so refreshing to see the largest and most populated continent invest in the infrastructure of there transport, thats the really smart thing here.

[maple]

Looks pretty cool, well done people who made this happen

[hughmungus]

It’s nice to see this Narrative of Chinas progress. Coming from a US citizen

[mmo]

Sadly people will still say that it's stolen technology from the west. Haters will hate no matter what. Kudos to all the brilliant minds behind this technological brilliance.

[thestudentofficial]

I literally thought of this when i was in highschool. I have no original thoughts fr.

[Cricketworld]

Chinese engineers are on whole another level congratulations to those who are involved in this project 👍👍👍👍

[suhandatanker]

This could be the future to those in developing countries like in the less urban areas in India or in Egypt where power is unstable due to weather or other events.

Please read my comment carefully and fully understand it before replying. I'm talking about power usage in the less developed areas in a country, not economics. I'm also regarding this as a hypothetical scenario. Arguments can't take you anywhere than a peaceful discussion.

[jackchen]

While we in the USA are watching our country crumble, it is nice to see a country that gets things done and excellent infrastructure!

[webwizard]

I love how the chinese are so quick to adopt new technology, I had a great time using the alipay card, paying everything from scooter rental to hotels. they are definitely destined for #1

[srinathradhakrishnan]

The Chinese never fail to amaze me when it comes to innovation. Their infrastructure development over the years has been astonishing. What an industrious nation!

[kato_dsrdr]

We're in a level of technology where something like this can exist and people will just say "pretty impressive" then scrolls down.

[factofnepal]

China is on no 1 top of the world in Development rank in the world heartly love you china from Country Nepal

[agarwalamit]

Congratulations China and greetings from India!

[ascenziobilelloiii]

Can't wait to see Adam Something comment on this

[Nickaishin]

Great Communist China. Keep developing
India an Philippine are democracy, but have the biggest slump in the world.

[Malko]

Congrats for new technology please do share with other country so that they are also helped