Rotterdam-based Hardt Hyperloop, a hyperloop network technology platform, announced that it has successfully tested its hyperloop vehicle at the European Hyperloop Center (EHC) in Veendam (Netherlands) during the European Hyperloop Center Grand Event.
The European Hyperloop Center is an open test facility with 34 connected hyperloop tubes, each 2.5 meters in diameter, and features a lane-switch component for hyperloop networks.
The steel pipes, developed by POSCO and Tata Steel Netherlands, were assembled by Mercon and installed by Denys, all partners in the Hyperloop Development Programme.
According to Hardt, this milestone represents a major advancement in hyperloop technology in Europe and globally.
Roel van de Pas, Commercial Director and incoming CEO of Hardt Hyperloop says, “This achievement marks a key milestone toward realising the hyperloop in Europe and around the world.”
“It is a great step in the right direction to continue with proving the other aspects of hyperloop, like cornering, lane-switching, and hyperloop vehicles branching in and out, which can all be tested in the European Hyperloop Center.”
The successful test!
During the European Hyperloop Center (EHC) test, Hardt’s hyperloop vehicle showcased its magnetic levitation, guidance, and propulsion systems. The vehicle travelled 90 meters of the 420-meter EHC facility at nearly 30 km/h with an acceleration of 0.2G.
Earlier this year, the EHC infrastructure demonstrated its ability to maintain a target vacuum pressure of 1 millibar, an envisioned pressure for an operational hyperloop system.
The test was highlighted at the EHC Event, attended by industry leaders and officials, including Constantijn van Oranje, Rinke Zonneveld, and Henk Emmens, with participation from the hyperloop ecosystem, including a demo vehicle from the Technical University of Munich and over 40 partners.
Marinus van der Meijs, Technology and Engineering Director at Hardt Hyperloop, says, “The successful first demonstration of our traction technologies is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and partners. We are excited with this first result and can’t wait to perform our upcoming full-speed tests, close to 100 km/hr, in the EHC with a lane-switch later this year.”
What’s next?
The company now aims to achieve its next milestone: a full-speed test (80-100 km/h) through the lane switch in a low-pressure environment, along with various technology verification and validation tests, expected to be completed within the year.
According to Hardt, global interest in hyperloop technology is growing, with development initiatives in countries like Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, India, and Saudi Arabia.
The European Union has included hyperloop in its Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) policy to boost connectivity between member states.
The technology promises benefits such as lower infrastructure costs compared to high-speed rail, simpler spatial integration with modular pipes, reduced land usage, and energy consumption 10 times less than cars or airplanes, offering an efficient solution for increasing transportation demands.
Brief about Hardt Hyperloop
Founded in 2016 by Tim Houter, Mars Geuze, Marinus van der Meijs, and Sascha Lamme, Hardt Hyperloop aims to create a global hyperloop network for sustainable and rapid transportation.
The founders were part of the TU Delft team that won the first SpaceX Hyperloop competition in 2017.
Hardt has developed Hyperloop Lane (HLS) Switch technology, allowing vehicles to change lanes at high speeds without additional components. The company is building a network of industry partners and working with the European Commission on hyperloop regulations.
In July 2023, the company secured €12M in funding from key public and private investors. Before that, in January, Hardt Hyperloop secured fresh funding from Posco International (Korea) and Urban Impact Ventures (the Netherlands), with participation from existing EU- and US-based investors.
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