High-speed maglev trains are contactless with the track during operation, getting rid of the constraints of wheel-rail adhesion and current collection of pantograph and catenary. Therefore, they are safe, comfortable, highly reliable, and environmentally adaptable and have irreplaceable advantages. Based on the three core technologies of suspension, guidance, and driving of high-speed maglev transportation systems, this paper systematically summarizes the characteristics and properties of different types of high-speed maglev transportation systems, such as normal-conducting electromagnetic suction, low temperature superconducting electrodynamic repulsion, permanent magnetic electrodynamic repulsion, and high temperature superconducting permanent magnetic nailing. In addition, it analyzes the technical difficulties, application constraints, and adaptability of different types of high-speed maglev transportation systems. Combined with the general goal of building China into a strong transport country and the research and development of China’s maglev transportation technology, it is concluded that the high-speed maglev transportation system with normal-conducting electromagnetic suction is the best choice for China to break through the operating speed constraints of wheeled transport.
