The Revival of Hyperloop Technology

A year ago, it seemed the hyperloop concept had hit a dead end, with Hyperloop One, one of the top firms championing the pipe dream of hyper-speed travel, ceasing operations. However, new developments are breathing life into this ambitious vision. Enter Switzerland, where a 1/12th scale hyperloop model is showcasing the potential of tube-based transportation.

Musk's Vision

While this miniature model isn't the full-fledged realization of Elon Musk's groundbreaking 2013 white paper—where he envisioned aluminum capsules launching through nearly airless tubes at a staggering 760 mph—it represents a crucial step forward. Musk's concept was bold, suggesting a 'fifth mode of transportation' could revolutionize our living, working, and commuting patterns in modern society.

Testing in Lausanne

In the scenic city of Lausanne, researchers are putting this vision to the test on a 120-meter circular track, developed through a collaboration between the Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), the School of Business and Engineering Vaud (HEIG-VD), and Swisspod Technologies. This week, the team proudly announced they completed the longest hyperloop test recorded to date, covering 11.8 kilometers (7.3 miles) at a steady speed of 40.7 km/h (25.3 mph).

Implications of Scale Testing

While the circular track may seem small with a circumference of just 125.6 meters (412 feet) and a diameter of 40 centimeters (15.7 inches), the implications are vast. The researchers argue that their findings on this scale model could translate into a full-scale system capable of covering distances of 141.6 kilometers (88 miles)—the stretch from Geneva to Bern or San Francisco to Sacramento—with speeds of up to 488.2 km/h (303.4 mph).

The LIMITLESS Initiative

This initiative, dubbed LIMITLESS (Linear Induction Motor Drive for Traction and Levitation in Sustainable Hyperloop Systems), involves rigorous assessments of vital subsystems such as propulsion, communication infrastructure, power electronics, and thermal management. Testing has focused on measuring energy consumption, thrust variations, and control during various phases of travel, such as acceleration and braking.

Skepticism and Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, a 1/12th scale model is far from proof that the hyperloop is on the brink of reality. Many startups have collapsed amid financial challenges and regulatory obstacles, leading critics to label the hyperloop as mere vaporware—an impractical vision more utopian than feasible.

Commitment to the Future

Nevertheless, the Swiss team remains steadfast in their commitment to the project, with CEO Denis Tudor announcing plans for further testing, including the introduction of freight transport solutions, and the construction of larger test tracks stateside. Tudor stated, 'This is a key step toward making hyperloop for passengers a reality and changing how we connect, work, and live.'

Uncertain Future

Yet, the larger challenge remains: as of now, no full-scale hyperloop systems operate anywhere globally. Musk's ambitious test tunnel in California has vanished, and he seems more focused on political pursuits than on solutions for urban transport. While The Boring Company continues its tunneling work in Las Vegas with Teslas, the hyperloop remains a distant aspiration.

Looking Ahead

Could this innovative Swiss project spark a resurgence of interest in hyperloop technology? Only time will tell, but with its latest tests, the dream may just be gaining momentum toward becoming a reality!