The engine for maglev trains is rather inconspicuous. Instead of using fossil fuels, the magnetic field created by the electrified coils in the guideway walls and the track combine to propel the train.
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Maglev trains do not create direct pollution emissions and are always quieter in comparison to traditional systems when operating at the same speeds.
Disadvantages of Maglev TrainsComplications resulting in accidents will usually lead to high human fatalities. Maglev trains are much more expensive to construct than conventional trains because of the high number of superconducting electromagnets and permanent magnets required, which are usually very costly.
In addition, the energy consumption can be further reduced by use of regenerative braking, an energy recovery mechanism where the kinetic energy of the train can be regained when the train slows down. Maglev is also a very cheap and efficient mode of transportation.
Maglev trains are “driven” by the powered guideway. Any two trains traveling the same route cannot catch up and crash into one another because they're all being powered to move at the same speed. Similarly, traditional train derailments that occur because of cornering too quickly can't happen with Maglev.
Maglev trains require very straight and level tracks to maintain high speeds. This necessitates extensive viaducts and tunneling, making construction costly.
There are guidance magnets and levitation magnets. The guidance magnets are designed to maintain the car alignment, never letting any physical contact. Ther is transverse inclination of the rails too, which helps reducing the curve of the turn.
On 22 September 2006, a Transrapid magnetic levitation (or maglev) train collided with a maintenance vehicle near Lathen, Germany, killing 23 people. It was the first fatal accident involving a maglev train.
Present Maglev systems cost 30 million dollars or more per mile. Described is an advanced third generation Maglev system with technology improvements that will result in a cost of 10 million dollars per mile. Plotkin, D.; Kim, S. Lever, J.H.
While high-speed maglev infrastructure is relatively expensive to build, maglev trains are less expensive to operate and maintain than traditional high-speed trains or planes. At higher speeds, most of the power needed is used to overcome air drag.
Maglev trains are designed to glide through the air. The front is curved so that the air slides over the train as it moves. This helps the train to move faster and reduces friction with the air. Maglev trains can move at speeds up to 300 miles per hour.
A magnet or properly assembled array of magnets can be stably levitated against gravity when gyroscopically stabilized by spinning it in a toroidal field created by a base ring of magnet(s).
The maglev train line currently being built by Central Japan Railway will be remotely controlled and will not have any onboard drivers. But for safety reasons, crew members will be deployed on the high-speed train.
SNCF, widely regarded as one of the best high-speed rail operators in the world, has had 4 profitable years and 5 loss-generating years since 2012. The Shanghai Metro Maglev has never been profitable. Clearly, there is an issue with passenger transport. No mode of transportation can consistently generate profits.
* Interconnectability - With HS2 only running to Birmingham it will still be possible to run trains from as far away as Glasgow over the new section, with more and more trains joining as the system is extended north and east. With Maglev you cannot extend the service over traditional lines.