This paper investigates the minimal-energy driving problem for high-speed electric train,and then proposes a three-stage optimal strategy.First,a switching system model is introduced to describe the new dynamics in high-speed electric train,which considers the extended range of speed,the energy efficiency and the regenerative brake.Based on the new model,the optimal driving strategy with minimal-energy consumption is studied,and the problem is boiled down to optimal control for switching systems.Using a numerical algorithm,a three-stage driving strategy is concluded,in which the traditional quasi-coasting stage is discarded and the maximal traction and brake are not suitable anymore.Finally,a case study on CRH is illustrated. This paper investigates the minimal-energy driving problem for high-speed electric train, and then proposes a three-stage optimal strategy. First, a switching system model is introduced to describe the new dynamics in high-speed electric train, which considers extended range of speed, the energy efficiency and the regenerative brake. Based on the new model, the optimal driving strategy with minimal-energy consumption is studied, and the problem is boiled down to optimal control for switching systems. Using a numerical algorithm, a three -stage driving strategy is concluded, in which the traditional quasi-coasting stage is discarded and the maximal traction and brake are not suitable anymore. Finally, a case study on CRH is illustrated.