Imagine zipping through a low-pressure tube at airplane speeds, feet off the ground, and not in some sci-fi blockbuster, but in real life—and in Europe, no less. Well, pinch yourself, because European researchers just nudged this futuristic dream a mighty leap closer to reality!
Breaking Records in Switzerland: When Fantasy Meets Swiss Precision
What once seemed straight out of a spaceship manual is now rolling—well, levitating—ahead thanks to a test in Switzerland that simulated a remarkable 142 km journey at a top speed of 488 km/h. The experiment stood as practical proof that the European Hyperloop could very well become the new standard for ultra-fast travel across the continent. No time-turner required!
How did we get here? It’s a classic European team effort. Researchers from the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), HEIG-VD, and Swiss startup Swisspod joined forces, engineering a 1:12 scale experimental circuit that mirrors the real Hyperloop’s operational conditions. With 82 tests under their belts, they watched a capsule cover 7.3 miles (about 11.7 km) at 40.7 km/h—a journey that simulates a full-size dash of 142 km at the full 488 km/h pelt. While still in a controlled environment, this is no dry run. The result confirms the technological muscle of a system powered by a linear induction motor, which handles both propulsion and levitation. That’s a two-for-one deal the Wright brothers would have envied.
Streamlined Engineering: Simplicity on Speed
So what really sets this progress apart, aside from its headline-grabbing speed? It’s the smart engineering: a single, multifunctional motor that can both lift and push the capsule inside the low-pressure tube. This streamlined approach spells lower costs and more reliability—the very ingredients needed to turn the Hyperloop from a billionaire’s doodle into a real-world, accessible solution.
But it’s not all about being fast and fancy-free. According to EPFL’s Professor Mario Paolone, the project is also proving that intelligent component integration makes it possible to optimize energy efficiency. And, bonus round, the infrastructure is passive. Translation: it’s less expensive to build and keep running than your average traditional or even high-speed railway system.
Testing More Than Just Top Speed
Those Swiss scientists didn’t stop at racing down test tracks. They examined consumption, thrust control, stability, and energy management too. The capsule powered itself autonomously—no external cables to trip over—demonstrating a step closer to a truly independent and scalable Hyperloop system.
This entire adventure is part of the aptly named project LIMITLESS. Its mission: develop a fast, sustainable, and industrially viable rapid transport system. According to Swisspod CTO Cyril Dénéréaz, the knowledge gathered will enable swift optimization of the technology—commercial applications included.
Here’s what’s next, and it’s not just for the thrill-seekers: plans are already in motion for a cargo-focused version of the system, set for testing in the United States at a fresh experimental facility. This next phase is vital, as the endgame is to move not just boxes, but passengers, safely and at unreal speeds.
Looking Beyond Trains: Challenges and Boundless Potential
Swisspod CEO Denis Tudor believes the Hyperloop’s impact could sweep far past the rail sector. Technologies developed along the way could be snapped up not only in transportation but also in automotive, aerospace, and advanced metro systems, giving urban transit a whole new lick of speed. A Hyperloop under the city? The future could out-hustle rush hour.
Of course, even admirably Swiss progress comes with hurdles: dedicated infrastructure and shared regulatory standards are needed. Perhaps most challenging, though, is drumming up the political and public support to lift the system from lab to landscape. Add in international coordination and the hunt for long-term investment, and the to-do list grows.
Yet the mood among experts is optimistic. If Europe can harness its deep technical and scientific know-how, Hyperloop could, at last, be a real alternative to short-haul flights—cutting emissions and ushering in a quantum leap in transport quality.
From laboratory dream to working prototype, from simulation to test track, Hyperloop’s journey in Europe is accelerating—fast. With test results like those from Switzerland, imaging a dash from Milan to Paris in under an hour no longer belongs to the pages of pulp fiction.
Will the world be ready to build, literally, the structures needed for this dream? That’s a question for another station. What’s certain: the journey has begun, and we may find ourselves traveling farther, much faster, than we ever dared imagine.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
