Japan introduces prototype wireless charging super speed train

The new super speed train can reach speeds of up to 500 km / h and apply wireless charging technology like smartphones.

JR Tokai, the operator of Japan's central rail system, launched the new maglev train model on March 25. It is equipped with wireless induction charging technology, similar to smartphones, and can reach speeds of up to 500km / h.

New speedboat prototype with aerodynamic design.(Photo: Nikkei).

The vehicle will be commissioned on the high-speed rail line linking Tokyo and Nagoya by 2027. "Our prototype has reached 80-90% of commercial capacity , " said Motoaki Terai, train development director. Magnetic pad of the company JR Tokai said.

The original magneto (L0) line of ships equipped with gas turbine generators to power the lighting and air conditioning systems on board. The new prototype switched to using coils installed along the hull and rails to generate energy, instead of gas turbines. This solution helps to create a lightweight super-speed train with a longer oblong shape. The prototype of the ship is on display at Hitachi's Kasado Works factory in Kudamatsu, southwestern city of Hiroshima.

While the nose part of L0 is slightly flat, the new prototype has a longer nose section. The vehicle is painted with dark blue stripes similar to the Tokaido shinkansen bullet train connecting Tokyo and Osaka. Hitachi is making the front part and Nippon Sharyo is manufacturing the cars. The speedboat prototype will complete a distance of 236 km in 40 minutes. The ultimate goal is to export technology to the US.

However, the new high-speed train project encounters obstacles because of the mountains in Shizuoka Prefecture. The governor of the province blocked a project to build a 9 km long tunnel through the mountains on the grounds that it has badly affected groundwater resources. In addition, the outbreak of Covid-19 also reduced the number of passengers using the bullet train, creating an uncertain future for JR Tokai.

1. Speedboat technology is up to three times faster than aircraft
2. The US is about to test its super speed train at 1,100km / h