The L0 Series is a Japanese maglev train developed by the Central Japan Railway Company. It was unveiled in November 2012. It can be easily distinguished by its extremely long nose (5 meters / 49 ft) that helps reduce drag, increase speed and decrease energy consumption.
This train holds the land speed record at 603 km/h (375 mph) that was achieved on 21 April 2015. It broke the speed record of 581 km/h (361 mph) set by another Japanese maglev, the MLX01, in December 2003. Out of the top 10 fastest trains in the world, five are Japanese.
This train will start its commercial operation on the Tokyo and Osaka line. The operational speed will be 505 km/h (314 mph), and it will take only 40 minutes to go from Tokyo to Nagoya, covering 286 km / 178 miles), and 1 hour 7 minutes between Tokyo and Osaka. The first section to Nagoya is expected to be ready by 2027. There are currently 14 pre-production L0 Series maglevs being built. The complete Chūō Shinkansen maglev line is expected to cost $100 billion.
L0 Series Maglev Stats:
- Legth: 28 metres (92 ft)
- Length of the Nose: 15 metres (49 ft)
- Max Speed: 603 km/h (375 mph)
- Operational Speed: 505 km/h (314 mph)
- Four seats per row
- Color: white and blue
- Formation: 5 to 12 cars
- Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nippon Sharyo