"German technology, now China has brought maglev trains to life!"

The maglev train, known as "Magnetschwebebahn" in Germany (called Maglev in China), has its underlying technology originating from Germany, not invented by China. However, the maglev train initially co-developed by Thyssenkrupp and Siemens was never put into commercial operation.

China, however, has taken the maglev technology to new heights. The world's first commercially operated maglev train began running in 2002 on a 30-kilometer line in Shanghai, with a speed of up to 430 km/h.

Now, China has also exhibited a prototype of a superconducting electric high-speed maglev train capable of reaching 600 km/h at the National Railway Testing Center. China's in-depth research into maglev technology is far beyond German technology, leading the world.

The maglev test project in Munich, Germany, has failed

However, some foreign media have started to chatter again. The Singapore-based "Asia Times", which is pro-Western, speculated that German engineers and components are still involved in China's superconducting electric high-speed maglev train project. Is this true?

Thyssenkrupp Group confirmed, at the request of German media, that its academic collaboration with the University of Stuttgarts and CRRC (China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation) continues, but it focuses on scientific exchange and research projects. They are not directly involved in the development of this innovative train or acting as suppliers.

Report from the "Munich Mercury"

Chinese senior engineers emphasized the strategic role of this new technology. The new superconducting maglev train will complement the existing railway network. It combines the timeliness and safety of rail transport with an almost air travel-like experience within 2000 kilometers. The Chinese goal is to use maglev trains for distances previously dominated by airplanes.

China's development of a new maglev train aims not only to narrow the gap between traditional high-speed trains and air travel but also to further demonstrate its technological advantage over Europe and even the global stage!

New superconducting maglev train

Currently, another country is also involved: Japan's L0 series train currently holds the record for the highest speed of 603 km/h; however, in regular operations, the maximum speed of this transportation mode is only 500 km/h.

China's future vision is more ambitious: According to "Forschung und Wissen," with further technological advancements, the speed of China's maglev trains could soon reach 800 km/h or even higher. China's new train not only surpasses international competitors but also sets global industry standards.

Siemens headquarters

Many German media outlets lament, looking at Germany, the original inventor of maglev technology, now not only lost the technology, but German railways, with a punctuality rate of less than 60%, are mocked internationally. Even neighboring Switzerland has banned German trains from entering the country to prevent disruption of the railway network.

In fact, as early as 1969, the German government began supporting maglev technology and commissioned IABG company in 1982 to build the Emsland test track specifically for testing maglev trains.

In 1994, the German federal government decided to build a maglev segment from Hamburg to Berlin, but five years later, due to opposition from German railways, the project was shelved. In 2006, a serious accident occurred at the Emsland test track, resulting in 23 deaths, and all testing work was halted. In 2008, the experimental line from Munich station to the airport also came to an end after eight years of R&D attempts. In 2011, the German government completely halted the maglev project.

Merkel with the Shanghai maglev

At the same time, China proposed the "National Strategy for Building a Transportation Powerhouse," not only expanding the use of maglev but also requiring reasonable coordination of technical reserves for a 600 km/h level high-speed maglev system.

Now, Germans have no choice but to admit that the maglev train project has become a milestone in China's technological achievements, helping to consolidate its position as an innovative nation. From an economic perspective, new high-speed rail lines can further accelerate transportation and communication between major cities, which will have a positive impact on tourism and regional development. Of course, challenges remain: high construction and operational costs, and expected ticket prices will be higher than traditional high-speed rail.

Modernized Chinese train stations surprise foreigners

Some German media and experts have begun to question and regret that Germany did not persist in maglev technology, seemingly letting China "take the big advantage."

I think the success of maglev technology in China is not only because China keeps pushing this technology forward, but also because China has a unique large market and openness to new technologies. This provides a favorable environment for the survival of this technology. It can be said that China has the successful elements of "favorable timing, favorable location, and favorable people" that Germany does not have.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7535825736163263022/

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