A Dutch startup called Hardt is planning to achieve this with its hyperloop technology. Hardt uses a combination of magnets and low-pressure tubes, which make it possible for the vehicle to achieve speeds up to 1,000 km/h with zero CO2 emissions. The goal is to create a European hyperloop network that connects all the major cities and airports. It will be one of the fastest modes of transportation, with an expected travel time of 47 minutes between Schiphol and Paris. This, combined with the fact that the hyperloop has zero CO2 emissions and runs completely on renewable electricity, makes it a great solution for the current environmental and transportation issues. The hyperloop is still in development, but in a pre-feasibility study with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Hardt estimates a total of 97 – 127 million passengers in 2050.
A hyperloop network throughout all of Europe could be incredibly disruptive to the short-haul flight industry. For example, flights will take longer than the hyperloop over relatively short distances, and the pre-feasibility study shows that it can compete with aviation on distances up to 3000 kilometers. Furthermore, the hyperloop network is designed to be incredibly convenient, travelers won’t have to book in advance or plan and the hyperloop departs every 7-10 minutes. If you compare this to aviation where you have to book in advance and arrive 2 hours before departure, then the choice is easily made. Lastly, the hyperloop will be environmentally friendly, and with the increased concerns around the environmental impact of short-haul flights in Europe, many people will decide to go with the “greener” option. Reuters even reported that a survey by the European Investment Bank showed that 62% of the respondents would be in favor of a ban on short-haul flights.
However, not only the aviation industry could be disrupted, but the high-speed rail is also at risk. The hyperloop is faster across all distances, better for the environment, and will be much more convenient when traveling through different countries because European countries recently agreed on common standards for hyperloop systems. This does not exist for high-speed rail, different countries have different rules and standards, which means transfers and complications.
The hyperloop could be an incredible innovation that changes the transportation industry, but Hardt still has a lot of work ahead of them to make this a reality.
References:
Abnett, K. (2020). ‘Ban short-haul flights for climate? In EU poll 62% say yes’, Reuters, 10 March. Available at: https://af.reuters.com/article/idAFKBN20X2SK (Accessed: 12 September 2020).
Hardt. 2020. Hardt. Available at: <https://hardt.global/> (Accessed 12 September 2020).
Hardt 2020, European Countries Agree to Establish Common Standards for Hyperloop Systems, Hardt, viewed 12 September 2020, < https://hardt.global/sub/press/european-standards-hyperloop/>
Hardt 2020, Hyperloop can play major role in Schiphol becoming the envisioned sustainable multi-modal hub, Hardt, viewed 12 September 2020, <https://hardt.global/sub/press/hyperloop-can-play-major-role-schiphol-becoming-envisioned-sustainable-multi-modal-hub/>
Hardt 2020, Hyperloop prefeasibility study with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, viewed 12 September 2020, <https://issuu.com/hardthyperloop/docs/hardt_schiphol_project_booklet_short__2___1_/26>
Loritz, M. (2019). ‘Delft-based Hardt Hyperloop raises multi-million euro round to develop high-speed, zero emissions transportation’, EU-Startups, 21 October. Available at: https://www.eu-startups.com/2019/10/delft-based-hardt-hyperloop-raises-multi-million-euro-investment-to-develop-high-speed-zero-emissions-transportation/ (Accessed: 12 September 2020)
Hi Jens! Very interesting topic! For sure this can represent a radical change in the way Europe is connected. Especially having in mind the CO2 emissions and the big impact on the ecosystem it might not have in contrast to aircraft and also trains. I think also a lot of working professionals or people that usually do not prefer the train for longer distance would definitely switch to this mode of transportation, once its as affordable as other options. Next to this, it could also be a transformation in the freight transport industry. Imagine not needing trucks, cargo trains or transport aircrafts anymore.
I’m really curious about when Hardt (or Hyperloop TT) will launch this project and how it will impact our travel behavior. Also I wonder if the same problems will occur like in the Transrapid project (e.g. where will these routes be built and handling costs) and how they will tackle these obstacles.
Hi Jens! It is interesting how you used the start-up Hardt to describe a pottentially upcoming disruptive wave in the transportation industry. I agree that some form of the hyperloop technology could be a major industry-wide improvement for consumers, suppliers and the environment. Currently, our infrastructure is showing more and more flaws and is a clear example of an unsustainable business model. I believe that, as a society, we should promote start-ups such as Hardt to break open our current beliefs of transportation and transform our current modes of transport.
Also, I agree with the interesting statement of Rabea that includes the major freight transport industry. Our current globalized economy depends on ships, trucks and airplanes delivering goods all over the world which, as we now know, we can consider as devastating to our environment. Concepts such as the hyperloop technology are major investments, but can provide unimaginable benefits to our future. Besides environmental concers, logistical companies can benefit a lot from saved time and the decrease in transportation diversity. Sending products from Amsterdam to Paris (or any other city) in 47 minutes can be an enourmous economic boost which will also provide a more sustainable business model for e-commerce organizations.