Racing on Air

摘要

Magnetic levitation ranks among the major innova-tions of the 20th century. It is the first ground transportation technology that is not based on the age-old concept of the wheel - a major advantage that reduces friction, and thus energy demand. Maglev trains use approximately 30% less energy than conventional trains traveling at the same speed. And they compare even more favorably with automobile and airplane transportation. In terms of energy demand per passenger, automobiles consume 3.5 times as much energy, while airplanes consume four times as much as a maglev traveling at 400km/h(250mph).