Traditionally, superconducting maglev trains like the Japanese SCMaglev have used liquid helium to cool their magnets to extremely low temperatures (−269°C) to achieve superconductivity. However, in a major 2025–2026 breakthrough, JR Central has begun testing the "M10" series vehicle, which utilizes high-temperature superconductors that can operate using only liquid nitrogen or even "cryocoolers" that require no liquid cryogens at all. This shift is vital because helium is a finite, expensive, and difficult-to-manage resource. By 2026, the goal for the Chuo Shinkansen is to eliminate the reliance on liquid helium entirely, which significantly reduces operating costs and simplifies the maintenance of the cooling systems. So, while older maglev prototypes are "helium-dependent," the 2026 era of maglev technology is rapidly moving toward a more sustainable, helium-free future for high-speed rail.