How do maglev trains work?

Maglev stands for magnetic levitation. Electromagnets or superconducting magnets make the train float about 1 to 10 centimetres above a guideway, depending on the system. A linear motor then shifts magnetic fields along the guideway, pulling and pushing the train forward without any moving contact. Because there are no wheels rolling on rails, there is little friction, noise or wear, and the main resistance at high speed is air. Japan’s L0 series maglev set the world train speed record of 603 km/h in 2015.