Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) unveiled to the press on Monday a test run of an improved L0 series maglev train on the linear Chuo Shinkansen line in Yamanashi Prefecture. The improved model reduces the air resistance of the lead car by about 13%, cutting down on power consumption and external noise.
The front of the lead car is rounder compared to the first model. Blue streamlines in the design also give the impression of smoother airflow.
The experiment was originally scheduled to start in May, but was delayed until August due to the spread of the novel coronavirus.
A test ride for the press was also held the same day. The train reached a speed of 500 kph soon after it started running, and traveled about 43 kilometers to the end point in around 8 minutes. The company plans to continue improving the maglev train ahead of its scheduled start in 2027 linking Shinagawa Station in Tokyo with Nagoya.
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