Village Trial of Hyperloop Transport: A Startup Tests the Potential Future of Travel; However, Investors Remain Unconvinced
Dutch Hyperloop Pioneer Makes Progress with Groundbreaking Technology
In the northern Dutch town of Veendam, Hardt Hyperloop is testing a revolutionary transportation method: pods moving through vacuum tubes at high speeds. Despite skepticism from experts, the company has recently achieved a significant milestone, reaching a speed of 30 kilometers per hour during a test run.
Hardt Hyperloop's ambition is to revolutionize travel across Europe, connecting major cities like Berlin and Paris faster than conventional means. The company recently held a test on a 420-meter steel tube site, with an aluminum capsule the size of an SUV designed to travel through the tube using magnetic levitation technology.
On a rainy afternoon, as regional trains rushed past the Hyperloop's test site, Roel van de Pas, the company's manager, stood confidently next to the steel tube. "We are witnessing the beginning of a new era," he declared. "Traffic jams, delays, all that could soon be a thing of the past."
Hyperloop technology has been discussed for over 200 years, with the concept popularized by Elon Musk in 2013. The American billionaire proposed a 28-seat capsule capable of reaching over 900 kilometers per hour in a vacuum tube. Since then, much has been experimented with, primarily in the United States, Asia, and Europe.
However, progress has been slow, with many challenges facing the technology. Building long, airtight tubes and combining vacuum and magnetic levitation technology have proven expensive and complex. In America, interest in the Hyperloop has waned, with Musk turning his attention to other projects, and Hyperloop One giving up at the end of 2023.
Nevertheless, the European Hyperloop project continues. Hardt Hyperloop's test in Veendam is a step towards making the Hyperloop a reality. The capsule was able to float in the steel tube and covered 90 meters during the test. Although the speed was relatively low, the company views the test as a significant advancement, proving the concept's viability.
Van de Pas and his team plan to continue testing, with the ultimate goal of connecting major cities across Europe. They believe they have the necessary components, including strong magnets, good batteries, and sufficient computing power, to make the technology a reality. Despite the challenges, they remain optimistic about the Hyperloop's potential and are seeking investors to support their vision.
Although many experts remain skeptical, the Hyperloop represents a significant advancement in transportation technology. If successful, it could transform the way we travel across long distances, providing a faster, more eco-friendly alternative to traditional transportation methods.
Based on a May 2025 article by Stefan Beutelsbacher in Welt
- What could soon be a reality, according to Roel van de Pas, the manager of Hardt Hyperloop, is a revolution in European travel, as the Hyperloop technology promises to connect major cities like Berlin and Paris at faster speeds than conventional transportation methods.
- The Hyperloop project, with its challenges and complexities, still continues to attract investors, as the European team, including Hardt Hyperloop, persists in their efforts to make the Hyperloop a viable alternative in the finance, transportation, and technology industries.
- As the Hyperloop technology advances, with companies like Hardt Hyperloop making significant strides towards its implementation, it's not just about speed - it's also about a potential shift in industries, such as transportation and finance, as well as the possibility of a more eco-friendly future for long-distance travel.
