Move over, Elon: China is building a train that’s faster than a jet

It may not conform to romantic visions of scenic rail travel, but it is the very stuff of science fiction dreams – a new “floating train” being developed in China that is projected to reach speeds of more than 1000km/h, making it faster than a commercial plane. Melbourne to Sydney for lunch? That’ll be under one hour; San Francisco to LA for a business meeting; make that 35 minutes; Beijing to Shanghai – just over an hour.

A model of the T-flight supersonic train on display during an exhibition.Credit: Getty Images

While speeds in excess of 900km/h haven’t been reached yet, recent reports suggest that tests for China’s new “hyperloop” trains – which shoot through the air in tube-like constructions – are well advanced. The Chinese are not the first to attempt to revolutionise travel in this way – the idea of using pneumatic tube systems and compressed air for propulsion was first mooted more than 200 years ago; more recently Elon Musk and Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin have championed it.

But over the past two decades, China has outpaced all rivals in the conventional high-speed-rail stakes and would appear to have the resources, vision and determination to take it to the next level. So here’s what may lie further down the line; hold on to your seats…

How fast does it go?

In tests earlier this year, China’s aptly-named “T-Flight” train reportedly recorded a new world-record speed of 623km/h. Those behind the project say the train has the capacity to accelerate to 1000km/h), which would make it faster than a Boeing 737 plane travelling at a cruising speed of 900km/h. Some reports suggest the train could ultimately break the sound barrier with a speed of 2000km/h (not far behind the legendary supersonic Concorde).

How does it work?

The T-Flight trains make use of maglev (“magnetic levitation”) technology which sees magnetic force lifting the carriages above the track, eliminating the need for wheels and significantly reducing friction. Rather than travelling in the open air, these new floating trains utilise “hyperloop” technology to shoot through low-vacuum tubes with reduced air pressure enabling considerably greater speeds. In addition to being an extremely fast and efficient way of transporting lots of people, advocates say this form of travel could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air and noise pollution.

What will it be used for?

The primary aim for the T-Flight train is to make it easier for China’s 1.4 billion-strong population to travel speedily between major metropolitan conurbations, unifying the country in a way the 19th century railroads once did in North America, Russia and former British colonies such as India. It will also enable China to further the aims of its Belt and Road Initiative by deepening connections with its neighbours, such as Laos and Vietnam to the south, and the peninsula of Korea to the north-east, which will be linked to the high-speed network.

What’s the world’s current fastest passenger train?

The Shanghai maglev is capable of hitting 431km/h.Credit: iStock

With a top speed of 431km/h, the fastest operating train in the world right now is the Shanghai maglev, which is capable of covering the 30-kilometre journey from the airport to the city in less than eight minutes. In Japan, another maglev train, the L0 Series, due to come into service in 2027, has reached a test speed of 603km/h, the world record before being overtaken by the T-Flight. The new Chinese train could reportedly come into service within a decade.

What happened to Elon Musk’s hyperloop dream?

Elon Musk’s hyperloop dream seems dead, for now.

In 2013, Musk revealed his vision for a hyperloop transportation system using energy derived from solar panels that could propel passenger pods through low-vacuum tubes at 1220km/h, reducing the journey time between Los Angeles and San Francisco to just over 30 minutes. Hyperloop One, a company set up to develop Musk’s idea, attracted a host of investors, including Sir Richard Branson, but ultimately proved unsuccessful and ceased operations at the end of 2023. That said, another Musk venture, the Boring Company, continues to research hyperloop-related tunnel construction, as do other US concerns.

Why is hyperloop technology controversial?

Although it sounds wonderful – facilitating ultra-fast travel in a less environmentally-damaging way – the development of hyperloop technology has proved tricky and extremely costly; the tubes for the trains cannot run along existing rail tracks, necessitating the need for completely new infrastructure. It is also difficult to incorporate bends in the tubes, which need to be placed in long straight lines.

Who else is working on a superfast train right now?

In addition to China, hyperloop technology is being trialled in Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United States and Canada. India plans to begin research in 2026. Open-air (i.e. not within the tube framework) maglev trains are operational in only three countries: China, South Korea and, fittingly, Japan, birthplace of the Shinkansen bullet train. Germany has had a significant role in the development of the maglev system.

Which countries have the best conventional high-speed rail networks?

Outside the Asian powerhouses of China, Japan and South Korea, in Europe, Spain, France and Germany all have well-developed high-speed rail networks. Australia, of course, lags some way behind, as does the United States – once a railroad supremo – but long since in thrall to the plane and car.

Are there any downsides to ultra-high-speed trains?

While fast, travelling at very high speeds cocooned in a pod shooting through a tube means there is little chance to take in the passing scenery and enjoy the sensation of leisurely hours, new acquaintances and quiet reflection. The experience is likely at best to be functional; at worst, slightly claustrophobic. There could also be issues with Wi-Fi connectivity.

So is it going to happen?

The recent successful test of T-Flight in China has encouraged companies in the US to believe there could be renewed interest (and investment) in hyperloop technology. “China’s success is a clear demonstration that hyperloop technology is not a distant dream, but a rapidly emerging reality,” Andrés de León, CEO of US-based company HyperloopTT, told the IFLScience news website. Others remain sceptical.

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” says Mark Smith (founder of the seat61.com rail website). “That said, if anyone can make this work it will be the Chinese. They have the clout and they don’t have to worry about things like cost benefit analysis.”

The Telegraph, London