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High-speed tests begin on Hyperloop transportation system

Posted: 17 May 2016 | Katie Sadler, Digital Content Producer, Intelligent Transport | No comments yet

High-speed tests have been carried out on Hyperloop, a new form of transportation which could revolutionise the way we travel.

High-speed tests have been carried out on Hyperloop, a new form of transportation which could revolutionise the way we travel.

The first high-speed tests have been carried out on Hyperloop, a new transportation system which is designed to transport cargo and passengers every 10 seconds in levitating pods at speeds of up to 750 miles per hour (1,200 kph) through near-vacuum tubes.

The Hyperloop sled, powered by electromagnets, propelled through the Nevada Desert reaching speeds of 1 16 mph (187km/h) in just 1.1 seconds. The tests mark the first step towards achieving high-speed public and cargo transportation envisaged by Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and electric car company Tesla Motors.

Hyperloop

Hyperloop test sled

Hyperloop designed to transport passengers at speeds of 750 miles per hour

In order to reach high speeds, the technology levitates pods using compressed air in an ultra-low pressure environment reducing friction. Electric propulsion drives and brakes the pod and a compressor sucks in air instead of displacing it. This pulls the pod forward rather than pushing it – which is usually the case in other transportation modes.

Travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 30 minutes within 5 years

According to BBC News, executives hope the public will be able to travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 30 minutes in approximately five years. However, there are a number of hurdles before passengers and freight will be able to travel within the pods at speeds of 750 miles per hour (1,200 kph).

“The benefits of Hyperloop are clear: efficient, on-demand, safe, green and of course fast travel”

Commenting on the tests, Shervin Pishevar, cofounder and executive chairman of Hyperloop One – one of the companies competing to bring about the high-speed travel – said, “There’s a lot of noise, hope and hype out there about what the Hyperloop could be and will be, but this metal sled absolutely grounds the idea in much-needed reality.”

 “There’s something about the idea of the Hyperloop that captures the imagination of ambitious engineers. The benefits of Hyperloop are clear: efficient, on-demand, safe, green and of course fast travel,” he added.

“The Hyperloop might be promising, but it’s still unproven and just an idea”

According to Reuters, Hyperloop One has already has raised $80 million from backers including clean technology venture capitalist Khosla Ventures; SNCF, the French National Rail Company; and GE Ventures.

Hyperloop

Hyperloop One test site (Image: Reuters)

There has also been caution regarding putting the technology into practice. Commenting on the latest development, Lisa Marie Alley, a spokeswoman for the California High Speed Rail Authority, said: “The Hyperloop might be promising, but it’s still unproven and just an idea. High-speed rail is a proven technology that’s been in use around the world for decades.

“A Hyperloop will run into the same challenges of any other large infrastructure project, including funding, right of way, environmental permits, approvals and clearances,” she added.