SNCF is interested in the future of high-speed and innovations in this field. From next year, the TGV M, fifth-generation trains, will run on the country's lines. But the French railway company sees even further and faster to transport its passengers with TGVs running at more than 500 km / h, says BFMTV. To achieve this, it signed a cooperation agreement with Nevomo on Friday. This Polish company specializes in MagRail.

Reduce friction to spin faster

It is a technology derived from the concept of Hyperloop launched by Elon Musk. The initial principle is based on magnetic levitation, or Maglev, which somehow allows the train to levitate over the tracks. For many resulting projects, changes are needed to the infrastructure of the lines. However, this is not the case with the technology developed by Nevomo.

To move its trains, the Polish company removes their wheels. Superconducting magnets replace the axles and electromagnets are placed on the tracks. Thanks to the induced magnetic field, the train rises a few centimeters. Thus, there is no more friction with the rails, which results in less resistance. Speeds can then reach 400 to 500 km/h.

China and Japan also interested

China and Japan are making progress on this MagRail issue. Beijing has unveiled a prototype train running at 620 km / h on average and capable of peaks at 800 km / h. This model could be commissioned by 2027. Japan has already embraced the technology. A Maglev train linking Tokyo to Nagoya, two cities 40 km apart, will also be put into service in four years, explains franceinfo.



For SNCF, the agreement signed consists in evaluating the interest of such a technology for its freight and passenger service. There are three objectives. The company intends to "increase the performance of current freight trains for higher loading limits and more capacity on [its] freight lines" but also "increase capacity on congested urban passenger lines," detailed in a statement the director of innovation at SNCF.

The company also wants to "evaluate MagRail as an alternative propulsion for rural lines in combination with light vehicles," said Luc Laroche. Tests will be conducted on small lines without catenaries. Only the trains will need to be modified. These could travel at speeds of 550 km/h.


  • Tech
  • SNCF
  • High-speed train
  • Train
  • Transport
  • Hyperloop