Test run of China's 160 km/h maglev train prototype successful

SHIJIAZHUANG, May 23 (Xinhua) -- China's fifth-generation 160 km/h maglev train prototype has completed a successful test run, CRRC's Tangshan branch said Wednesday.

Compared with the medium and low speed maglev trains that have entered operation, the traction efficiency of the new train has been improved by 10 percent, and energy consumption reduced by over 20 percent.

The prototype had two carriages with a maximum capacity of 318 passengers. The train, with a flexible assembly of two to six carriages, is suitable for operation between cities, central and satellite cities, and within a city.

The successful test run laid the foundation for the sixth generation maglev train with a designed speed of 200 km per hour.