Europe’s first hyperloop a step closer to offering a green alternative to short-haul flights

At a ‘Grand Reveal’ event, EIT InnoEnergy backed Hardt Hyperloop revealed a break-through Hyperloop Lane Switch (HLS) technology. The lane-switching technology allows hyperloop vehicles to change from one lane to another without additional or moving components. This enables the vehicles to retain their high speeds, effortlessly switch routes, and merge in and out of the network.

The completion of the HLS marks both the end of a testing phase and the beginning of a much larger testing facility titled the ‘European Hyperloop Centre’. The first test phase assessed fundamental hyperloop technologies including magnetic levitation, lowpressure environments, a propulsion system, cargo / passenger weight simulation, and lane switching technology.

Celebrating at the event Jacob Ruiter, CEO InnoEnergy Benelux said: “The completion of these tests is a milestone for hyperloop technology everywhere. Bringing this technology to market will fundamentally change how we travel, offering a sustainable alternative to short-haul flights as well as shortening journey times in comparison to cars and trains.

“We are very proud to support Hardt Hyperloop and we will continue to work closely with the consortium to reduce time to market.” Sascha Lamme, Director of Research & Development Hardt Hyperloop added: “Our constant drive towards a method of transportation that maximizes results with the lowest possible amount of energy has once again proven fruitful with our innovative lane switch mechanism.”

The European Hyperloop Centre

The next stage in hyperloop development includes a 3-kilometer track that will allow for the highspeed testing of vehicles from collaborating hyperloop companies, and will provide the basis for the standardization of European hyperloop infrastructure and technology.

Going Further with Partnerships

The completion of the first test facility, was made possible by close collaboration between Hardt Hyperloop and its international partners, which includes Tata Steel, Dutch companies Royal Bam Group and Goudsmit, German corporations Busch and Continental, Italian Prysmian Group, and Swiss-Swedish ABB. “It’s tremendous to see that our network of partners has expanded over the entire continent. It embodies the European identity to the fullest and we’re going even further with the European Hyperloop Centre.”– Tim Houter, CEO Hardt Hyperloop. In addition to collaborating partners Hardt is supported by investments from EU organisations, notably InnoEnergy – the EU innovation engine for sustainable energy across Europe supported by the EIT and the European Union.

Celebration of opening test facility: Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands -Tim Houter, CEO Hardt Hyperloop – Violeta Bulc, EU Commissioner for Transport – Ineke Dezentjé,  President FME (Dutch employer’s organization in the technology industry)