Maglev, or magnetic levitation, is a kind of technology used for many different purposes. Recently, maglev has seen an ideal use in the train industry, where it has been leveraged to make train wheels and tracks obsolete, and instead use magnets to propel trains where they need to go. Many say that maglev is a practical and smart solution to help improve the railway system, but there are some who argue with maglev trains saying that it would be best to stick with older train systems.
List of Pros of Maglev Trains
1. Less Maintenance
Trains need constant upkeep in order to ensure that the tracks and wheels are kept in good condition. With frequent and constant use, train tracks and wheels could give in to wear and tear, making them hazardous and dangerous. But because maglev trains don’t experience as much friction between the two surfaces, they’re much less difficult to maintain.
2. Efficient
A maglev train won’t use quite as much energy to operate as traditional trains. They’re also able to carry much more weight without requiring any extra energy consumption. It also pays to note that maglev trains run on electricity and not gas, which means they can be further developed to run on renewable energy sources.
3. Faster
Maglev trains can achieve speeds that compete with those achieved by airplanes. This will allow commuters to cut back their travel time and make it to their destinations faster and easier.
List of Cons of Maglev Trains
1. Expensive
Maglev is a relatively new innovation and not a lot of companies offer this technology. This is why it is still quite costly, requiring railway companies to shell out a large sum of money just to install a single train.
2. Complete Renewal of Tracks
Unlike other trains that can be purchased and installed on old tracks, maglev trains requires their own unique set of tracks. This means before they can be put to use, the entire railway system would have to be replaced with maglev tracks. This won’t only take a long time, but will also make it even more expensive to fund.
3. Safety
Generally speaking, maglev trains are seen as relatively safe. But because of their detached nature, any accidents that could occur on a maglev train could be significantly more severe. The train does not attach to the tracks, so it doesn’t have anything to hold on to should there be a malfunction.