The future of mobility is all set to witness a drastic advancement with companies such as Hardt Hyperloop getting into the play. Hardt Hyperloop is the world’s leading company in hyperloop transport technology, which assures to bring about a promising technology that will be more energy-efficient and faster than travelling by a high-speed train or aeroplane.
Founded in 2016 by Tim Houter, Marinus van der Meijs, Mars Geuze and Sascha Lamme, the Dutch company aims to accelerate the development of the hyperloop technology by involving as many parties as possible. Its initial partners include Royal IHC, Tata Steel Europe, and Royal BAM Group.
Opens test centre in Groningen
In a recent development, Hardt Hyperloop announced its first European facility to test hyperloop at high speeds will be built in the Dutch province of Groningen. The new European Hyperloop Centre (EHC) will be open to hyperloop developers from all over the world. This will promote cooperation, in order to accelerate the development of a technology that could offer a clean alternative to air travel.
The construction of the European Hyperloop Centre will debut in 2020 and is likely to be completed in 2022. Tests conducted at the facility will determine if the hyperloop is a realistic alternative to short-haul flights.
Furthermore, it has been announced that the EHC in the Netherlands will consist of a 3 km test track. It will also host a Learning Centre, which will focus on European safety standards and passenger travel experience.
Why Groningen?
Groningen has won Zeeland to host the EHC of Hyperloop. In the competition that was held to host this prestigious project, Groningen and Zeeland emerged as final contenders. Both regions submitted a strong proposal that was assessed by the committee and Groningen emerged as the winner as it met both the planning and construction criteria.
The EHC will help create an attractive business environment for innovative technology companies. This could lead to the creation of a European knowledge centre that will not only give the region an economic impulse through increased employment and revenues but also contribute to the progressive image of the region.
Sustainable and efficient alternative
Travel by hyperloop is CO2 neutral and can provide a sustainable solution for the growing global number of passengers and the amount of freight. Hyperloop vehicles move autonomously in a tube system by means of a fully electromagnetic propulsion system. The low-pressure tubes provide ideal conditions for the vehicles to travel in a very energy-efficient manner, whilst being protected from the elements.
It is said that it will take just 15 minutes to travel from Amsterdam to Eindhoven and 50 minutes to reach Frankfurt from Amsterdam. Moreover, hyperloop is said to have twice the capacity as that of high-speed trains. Eventually, it becomes a sustainable alternative to flights and high-speed trains.
Main image picture credits: Hardt Hyperloop
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