The Gaochun-Xuancheng expressway in Jiangsu Province has recently been used to test the road for cars to drive over 200 km/h and the research of magnetic levitation vehicle.

The project, initiated by the province’s Department of Transport, aims to promote digital transformation of transport industry. Digital means to achieve accurate sensing, control and service were used in the tests over an expressway section of 7.9 kilometers long.

(Photo/Mei Jianfei)

The tests involved eight vehicles, including five new energy vehicles, and drivers were at different age groups. The project also tested safety measures for high-speed driving.

Magnetic levitation vehicles emerged in countries such as Japan, the United States and Germany, but are still in the concept stage. Professor Deng Zigang, a researcher at Southwest Jiaotong University, said such a vehicle is based on renovation of the traditional car body and additional use of magnetic wheel and magnetic levitation lane, which comprise roadbed and conductor plate laid on the roadbed.