The European Hyperloop Center (EHC) has completed its 420 meter test infrastructure in Veendam, The Netherlands, which will help test hyperloop technologies including a full lane switch.
In the coming weeks, Hardt Hyperloop will begin its first tests at the EHC facility.
“This marks a pivotal moment in hyperloop development,” said Sascha Lamme, director of EHC. “It is great that this state-of-the-art facility in the Province of Groningen has been brought to life with the support of all our partners, and we can’t wait for the first tests to happen.”
EHC said the test infrastructure will represent real-world conditions and the inclusion of the full lane switch will help with testing the realization of hyperloop networks.
The EHC is a hub for pod development and testing and has become the center point for European hyperloop experimentation.
The center is part of the Hyperloop Development Program, which is a public-private partnership of more than 25 partners to advance the hyperloop. Recently, Posco said it would supply steel products for EHC in a collaboration with Tata Steel.
Hardt is just one of the many hyperloop companies working at EHC such as EuroTube, Nevomo, Zeleros and more.
What is the hyperloop?
Hyperloop technology uses magnetic levitation to lift a pod off the track and guide it as it moves, creating a friction-free track. Almost all the air in the tube surrounding the pod is removed to create the same environment found at 200,000 ft above sea level. The combination of the linear motor, magnetic levitation and low-pressure tube reduces drag so that only a small amount of electricity is needed to propel the pod at speeds as high as 670 mph. This could possibly create a more cost-effective system than high-speed rail or airline transportation.
(Learn more about magnets on Globalspec.com.)
The technology is not only ultra-fast but is also reportedly energy-efficient and completely CO2 neutral. This combination is one of the reasons the hyperloop has gained attention in the transportation market as countries look for new ways to meet carbon footprint requirements while providing new ways of traveling for consumers.
However, hyperloop technology is not without its detractors, with some suggesting that the technology is not viable and a waste of resources and funding. This especially became apparent when Virgin Hyperloop said it would no longer support hyperloop for passenger transport and would focus only on cargo pods.
