Japan is developing the world’s fastest train, the L0 Series maglev, which has reached test speeds of 603.5km/h, far faster than any train currently in commercial service. Built by Central Japan Railway Company, the train will run on the new Chuo Shinkansen line, cutting travel time between Tokyo and Nagoya to about 40 minutes, and eventually linking Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka in roughly an hour.
The speed comes from magnetic levitation, which lifts the train above the track and eliminates friction. But the project is expensive – costs are already around £52bn (€60bn) – and has been delayed until the mid-2030s.
While the technology is impressive, experts are sceptical about its prospects in Europe. The L0 Series would require entirely new, tunnel-heavy infrastructure, consume far more energy than conventional high-speed rail, and carry fewer passengers than trains such as the TGV or AGV Italo. Europe’s rail networks also prioritise comfort, capacity and scenic travel over extreme speed.
As a result, although Japan is pushing the limits of rail travel, the world’s fastest train is likely to remain a Japanese – rather than European – experience.
