Energy Consumption

Through the frictionless nature of the Maglev Monorail system, it consumes significantly less energy while providing the same output as high-speed railways. Or, stating it another way, with the same energy input, the performance of the Maglev system is substantially higher.

 

Tech - Energieverbrauch

                                                                                                Source: Thyssen Krupp Transrapid

 

At a speed of 300 km/h for example, the maglev consumes 25% less energy (per seat and kilometre) compared to an ICE train.

 

 

The reasons for the low energy consumption are:

  • No friction lossed due to the non-contact technology 
  • The high-efficiency of the long-stator linear motor 
  • The low vehicle weight 
  • The low aerodynamic resistance 
  • No rotary masses (braking effect at high speeds) 
  • Energy recovery when braking. (The braking energy can be reused and fed back into the electrical network) 

When compared over equivalent distances, the specific primary energy consumption of automobiles is three times higher and modern airplanes five times higher than the Maglev technology.


For the SwissRapide Express improvements in the aerodynamic characteristics are intended. At maximum speed, these could reduce energy consumption by up to 10%.