Hyperloop: The future of rail

Hyperloop is a newer form of ground transport, currently being explored and developed by a number of companies.

It could see freight and passengers travelling as high as 760mph (1,220 km/h), in a ‘floating’ pod which shoots through giant, low-pressure tubes, either above or below ground.

Hyperloop technology seeks to modernize the world’s current transportation infrastructure, through integrating climate-resilient hyperloop systems.

One company in the race of the development is Virgin Hyperloop, whose system includes magnetic levitation, much like other technology used in advanced-high speed rail projects in Japan and Germany.

Last year, they trialled their first ever journey in the dessert of Nevada, which included 2 passengers, travelling the length of a 500m test track in 15 seconds, reaching 107mph (172km/h). But this is only a fraction of the company’s ambitions.

How does it work?

The technology consists of removing two things that slow down regular transport: friction and resistance. Therefore, the pod must hover above its track, consequently making hyperloop similar to a magnetic levitation (maglev) train.

Hyperloop technology uses two sets of magnets, one set to repel and push the train off the track and another to move the floating train ahead, taking advantage of the lack of friction, without traffic or environmental influences.

The technology could therefore be used to remove pressure off gridlocked roads, making travel between cities much easier and as a result, potentially unlocking massive economic benefits.

Hyperloop technology is still in the early stages of its development and only a handful of companies are currently properly looking into it. But the concept has been around for many years, and was raised again in 2013 by Elon Musk.