High-speed maglev trains of the L0 Series are believed to be the fastest train in the world. A new train system is being developed and tested by the Japan Railway Company (JR Central). JR Central intends to employ the L0 Series on the currently under construction Chūō Shinkansen train route between Tokyo and Osaka.
It was revealed in November 2012. One of the most distinguishing aspects of this quickest train is its 5-meter-long nose, which aids in reducing drag, increasing speed, and conserving energy.
The fastest recorded speed is 603 km/h (375 mph). It surpassed the previous 581 km/h (361 mph) record established in December 2003 by another Japanese maglev, the MLX01. In fact, five Japanese trains are among the world’s top ten fastest in terms of speed.
This fastest train in the world will start its commercial operation in Tokyo and Osaka. The operational speed is supposed to be 505 km/h (314 mph). It takes just 40 minutes to go from Tokyo to Nagoya, a distance of 286 kilometers (178 miles), and 1 hour and 7 minutes to travel between Tokyo and Osaka. By 2027 the first section to Nagoya is supposed to be ready.
Now there are 14 pre-production L0 Series maglev trains that are in the process of being built. The cost of building the whole Chūō Shinkansen maglev line is estimated to be $100 billion.
After receiving the first L0 series vehicle, which was transported to the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line in June 2013, a five-car train started test-running on the 42.8 km (26.6 mi) long Yamanashi Maglev Test Line. The top speed limit for test runs was steadily raised, reaching 500 kilometers per hour by the end of July 2013.
L0 Series Maglev Specification:
Length: 28 metres (92 ft)
Length of the Nose: 15 meters (49 ft)
Max Speed: 603 km/h (375 mph)
Operational Speed: 505 km/h (314 mph)
Seats: four per row
Color: white and blue
Formation: 5 to 12 cars
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nippon Sharyo
