Japan is developing the L0 Series, a magnetic-levitation train built by Central Japan Railway Company that has reached test speeds of up to 603.5 km/h, making it the fastest train ever.
The train will run on the Chūō Shinkansen maglev line, cutting Tokyo–Nagoya travel to about 40 minutes, with plans to extend to Osaka, effectively linking Japan’s three largest metro areas. The project relies on maglev technology, which lifts trains above the track to eliminate friction, but comes at a huge cost—around £52bn (€60bn) so far—and has been delayed until the mid-2030s.
Despite its appeal, experts say Europe is unlikely to adopt the technology soon. Maglev trains require entirely new, tunnel-heavy infrastructure, consume more power, carry fewer passengers than conventional high-speed trains, and are extremely expensive. European rail networks also prioritise comfort, capacity and scenic travel over extreme speed, limiting the case for such a system outside a few business routes.
In short: Japan’s maglev may redefine rail travel at home, but Europe is likely to stick with upgraded high-speed rail rather than make the leap to ultra-fast maglev.
