Solar-Powered MagLev Concept Train is Sleek Alternative Transportation

High speed trains are important for long haul travel, but more efficient rail systems are also needed in cities for general commuters. With precisely that in mind, Francisco Lupin designed this sleek concept train for Bombardier as part of the YouRail Train Interior Design Contest and their line of Eco4 energy saving trains. Lupin’s train is designed for economy commuters within a city and completely rethinks the interior of public transportation. The train is solar powered, made of lightweight materials and utilizes MagLev technology for a fast and energy efficient train.

www.cat-bus.com says:

June 15, 2010 at 11:28 am

Steel wheel on steel rail has rolling friction that is lower than the energy needed for magnetic levitation. The energy needed to run a train is due to to air resistance — and, in the case for public transit, the constant acceleration and deceleration. With regenerative breaking, which works well for steel rails, can recapture the energy expended during acceleration when breaking.

At the same time, the nice thing about using an electrified rail system is that you only need an electro motor on board, and the power can be generated elsewhere more efficiently.

So this concept, if it would work at all, is unrealistic, and sounds like a bunch of greenwashing. Steel rails are cheaper/better than magnetic levitation, and power should be generated outside the train. At the same time, displaying information for every user is quite a waste of energy.
AppMentor says:

June 15, 2010 at 12:12 pm

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Myrtle10 says:

June 16, 2010 at 6:47 am

The end of something is greater than the beginning. Let’s see wher this train can take us…
HCR-LLC says:

June 16, 2010 at 10:19 am

I agree with Myrtle10 – let’s see where this train takes us. It’s amazing what we can do these days! All in an effort to help make the environment a great place for our children and their children.
relentlesscactus says:

June 16, 2010 at 6:02 pm

It is ideas like this that hold us back.
soltrainusa says:

June 30, 2010 at 4:15 pm

a better way to do this is posted on
<SolTrainUSA.com
Priestmangoode Unveils Design for British High Speed Train | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World says:

July 15, 2010 at 8:21 pm

[...] is a double-decker train with a sleek body and unique interior design that intends to revolutionize domestic rail travel. Although only a concept at this point, the train is designed to achieve a blazing speed of 225 [...]
Nitin bansode says:

March 15, 2011 at 2:18 am

please send me a how to work such trains.