Meglev

Meglev, short for magnetic levitation, is a transportation technology in which vehicles glide above a guideway using magnetic forces to counteract gravity. Because the vehicles are levitated, rolling contact is eliminated, reducing friction and allowing high speeds. Propulsion and dynamic control are typically achieved with linear motors and precise magnetic guidance.

There are several magnetic suspension approaches. The two most common are EMS (electromagnetic suspension), where train magnets are attracted to ferromagnetic guide rails and levitation is actively stabilized; and EDS (electrodynamic suspension), which uses the repulsive interaction from induced currents in conducting tracks and is speed-dependent. Some systems use superconducting magnets for stronger levitation. Most operational lines use EMS or related variants with linear synchronous motors for propulsion. Designs emphasize reliability, redundancy, and precise alignment.

History and deployments: Magnetic levitation research began in the mid-20th century in several countries. The first commercial-like lines appeared in the 1980s–1990s in Germany and Japan; the Shanghai Maglev Train, using a Transrapid EMS, began operation in 2004 between Shanghai's airport and the city. Japan's SCMaglev project has conducted high-speed tests, reaching speeds over 600 km/h on test tracks, and aims to use the technology for the Chuo Shinkansen line. Advantages include high speeds and low maintenance due to lack of wheel-rail friction; challenges include high construction costs, guideway precision requirements, and energy needs for magnetic systems. Meglev remains deployed primarily for dedicated high-speed routes rather than widespread urban transit.