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. If you've ever played with magnets, you know that opposite poles attract and like poles repel each other.

Maglev (magnetic levitation) trains are powered entirely by electricity, but unlike traditional trains, they do not have an onboard engine or a pantograph touching an overhead wire. Instead, the "engine" is effectively built into the guideway (the track). The source of energy is the local electrical grid, which feeds high-powered electromagnets or superconducting magnets along the track. This creates a moving magnetic field—essentially a linear motor. The electricity creates alternating magnetic poles that pull the train forward from the front and push it from behind. The energy is used for three primary functions: levitation (lifting the train 1 to 10 cm off the track), propulsion (driving it forward), and lateral guidance (keeping it centered). Because there is no friction from wheels or axles, maglevs are incredibly energy-efficient at high speeds compared to conventional high-speed rail. However, the initial energy required to cool superconducting magnets (using liquid helium or nitrogen) and to power the massive coils in the track makes the infrastructure significantly more expensive to build than traditional rail.