China: The 1.1 t capsule has hit the speed in 5.3 seconds on the one-kilometre test line, which was built last year in the province of Hubei.
The braking distance from 800 km/h to a complete stop was about 200 m. Previously, the same maglev unit accelerated to 650 km/h in June 2025, while just a month later, the speed increased to 700 km/h.
The tests cover such parameters as high-power pulse energy delivery, electromagnetic propulsion, levitation control, precise positioning and emergency braking. The track profile is reported to deviate less than 0.5 mm. The control system maintains the running capsule’s positioning accuracy with 1 mm precision.
Video about tests of the maglev capsule at 800 km/h in China. Source: Global Times
Currently, this maglev unit is just an experimental one, not intended to carry passengers. The capsule’s running gear is based on electromagnetic suspension, similar to CRRC’s maglev train under development with a design speed of 600 km/h. It is worth noting that the capsule’s low weight contributes significantly to the latest result. Meanwhile, a full-scale maglev train set a record of 603 km/h in 2015 in Japan on a 42.8 km test track.
