Testing Brings Hyperloop Closer To Commercial Availability

Hyperloop One has been testing its pods for a few months now, and just a few days ago the cutting-edge transport technology reached a new milestone.

On July 29 the company completed a sample run at its full-scale Nevada test track. The sample track runs 500 metres and this test run completed close to the entire length, reaching a top speed of 192 mph (310 km/h). This is faster than any test completed thus far. The speed is close to the planned functional speeds for upcoming Hyperloop installations in Dubai and elsewhere, perhaps even between Washington D.C. and New York City. Canada has also been tinkering with ideas regarding a Hyperloop.

The demo pod that reached such high speeds is close to nine metres tall and made of carbon-fibre, forming a shell hovering on a magnetically levitating chassis. The test run included a 300 metre acceleration period as well as a braking period.

The tube in which the Hyperloop car travelled was depressurized severely, mimicking conditions 200,000 feet above sea-level. This results in low friction, less wind resistance and an overall quicker pod.

Creators have said that test runs in contained spaces should be able to reach up to 250 mph, but in order for the Hyperloop to reach its full speed of over 500 mph, it will need a very long testing track.

Hyperloop One CEO Rob Lloyd said in a statement, ”We’ve proven that our technology works,” says Hyperloop One CEO Rob Lloyd. “Now ready to enter into discussions with partners, customers and governments around the world about the full commercialization of our Hyperloop technology.”

All aspects of the pod and tube worked well during the test, from motors to electronics to the magnetic levitation devices. Hyperloop was popularized by SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.