Hyperloop technology will redefine the future of transport forever – and it’s not as far away as you may think

Back in 2013, Elon Musk first thought coined the term ‘Hyperloop’. Musk’s dream for the elusive fifth mode of transport is now closer than ever to becoming a reality. A Hyperloop is a sealed tube with low air pressure, which a pod travels through.

The Hyperloop technology will bridge the gap between rail and aviation transport networks – striving for sustainability without sacrificing speed or safety.

The Hyperloop carrier will move at the speed of an aircraft, with the capacity to move as many people as a 30-lane highway.

How does the Hyperloop work?

The Hyperloop is basically a huge tube, almost completely devoid of air. The lack of air allows high speeds with minimal energy consumption. Also, each pod uses magnetic levitation technology, with electromagnetic propulsion.

“This decade could end with hundreds of millions of people riding hyperloop. For people who think this technology is many years away, I rode on one. It’s right now,” said co-founder of Virgin Hyperloop, Josh Giegel.

Virgin Hyperloop is already rolling out the technology in many places around the world. Giegel says we can expect the technology to become available in America, India, Europe and the Middle East somewhere between 2025-27.

Could Hyperloop be the climate-friendly transport of the future?

The development of Hyperloop technology comes amid renewed discussions about the sustainability of air travel. Europe recently proposed a fuel tax on the aviation industry to push green energy.

The aviation industry is currently exempt from fuel taxation charges in the EU. However, the European Commission has found this exemption “is not coherent with the present climate challenges and policies”.

The minimum tax rate would come into effect in 2023, increasing gradually over a 10-year period. Reuters reports that the draft document didn’t specify the final tax rate.

“This decade could end with hundreds of millions of people riding hyperloop. For people who think this technology is many years away, I rode on one. It’s right now” says Giegel.