The maglev differs radically from its more conventional high-speed cousins. It doesn't have wheels and it doesn't run on a steel track. It doesn't even have an on-board motor. The motor that propels the maglev is in the special track, and the propulsion comes from magnets. Maglev vs conventional high speed trains Maglev technology has several theoretical advantages over conventional high-speed trains.
Maglevs also use less energy to achieve the same speed as conventional very fast trains.
In addition, since the motor is in the guideway rather than on the train, it is possible to increase its power on steep sections. This means that maglevs can climb steeper grades than conventional high-speed trains, reducing the need for tunnels. Despite such advantages, maglevs remain commercially unproven. In comparison, trains like the TGV, the bullet train and the ICE have been formidably successful. Each new generation of train gets faster, and they boast an impressive safety record.