China smashes world record as Maglev train accelerates to 700 km/h in 2 seconds | Video

China has set a new world record in high-speed rail technology after successfully testing a superconducting electric maglev train that reached a staggering speed of 700 km/h in just two seconds.

The test was conducted by researchers at China’s National University of Defence Technology, who accelerated a magnetic levitation vehicle weighing about 1,000 kg to the record speed. The experiment took place on a 400 metre maglev track, where the train was also brought safely to a stop after the run, making it the fastest superconducting electric maglev train ever tested.

A video of the trial shows the train shooting past like a flash of silver, leaving behind a faint misty trail and resembling a scene from a sci-fi film.

🚄🇯🇵 Le train japonais Maglev L0 ne se contente pas d’être rapide : il redéfinit littéralement la notion de vitesse dans le transport moderne.

Grâce à la lévitation magnétique, il flotte au-dessus de son rail, éliminant toute friction et lui permettant d’atteindre plus de 600… pic.twitter.com/hnV4VnZ3Ro — Le Contemplateur (@LeContempIateur) December 4, 2025

The train levitates above the track using powerful superconducting magnets, eliminating physical contact with the rails and allowing frictionless movement. The electromagnetic acceleration system used in the test is so forceful that researchers say it could theoretically be used to launch rockets.

At such velocities, the technology could dramatically reduce travel times between distant cities, potentially cutting journeys to just minutes. It also offers insights into future transport concepts such as hyperloop systems, where vehicles travel through low-pressure or vacuum-sealed tubes at extreme speeds.

Professor Li Jie of the National University of Defence Technology said the successful test would significantly accelerate China’s research and development of ultra-high-speed maglev transport systems.

The research team has been working on the project for over a decade. Earlier this year, in January, the same test track was used to achieve a top speed of 648 km/h. Nearly 30 years ago, the university also developed China’s first manned single-bogie maglev train, making the country the third in the world to master maglev technology.