Hyperloop: what is it? Easily explained

The Hyperloop project is often referred to as the fifth form of transportation. Leading the development is Elon Musk, who has caused quite a stir with his Tesla car brand in recent years. But we will explain what is really behind it in an understandable manner.

Hyperloop: what is it actually?

In addition to trains, planes, ships and cars, the Hyperloop concept wants to become the fifth means of transport:

1. A hyperloop consists of a tube in which capsules can travel at up to 1, 200 kilometers per hour.
2. The main drive is implemented electrically. A magnetic field is generated in the tube, which sucks the capsules through the tube and accelerates them strongly.
3. In order to generate as little friction as possible and thus the high speed, the capsules fly through a partial vacuum. At the front of each capsule there is a compressor that sucks in the remaining air and pumps it under the device. As a result, they float on an air cushion.
4. Two companies are currently working on the implementation of the project: Hyperloop Transportation Technologies and Hyperloop Technologies. The latter was recently renamed Hyperloop One.
5. The entrepreneur Elon Musk, known for the Tesla car brand, came up with the idea for this type of high-speed system. On May 11, 2016, the first public tests showed how a test sled near Las Vegas accelerates to 160 kilometers per hour in a second.
6. Musk himself does not work on the technology itself. Instead, the entrepreneur devotes himself to the infrastructure required for Hyperloop.
7. The developers cannot complain about a lack of interest. In a global challenge, several competitors vied to build a route at your location.
8. Germany was also there with the Berlin - Hamburg route and made it to the finals. However, some routes in the United States, Mexico, India and the United Kingdom won.
9. At first, however, there will probably only be implementations for freight transport. If the technology proves itself, passenger transport should also play a role. But that can take several decades.

As long as there is no Hyperloop route in Germany, you must continue to travel by train. After all, we show you how you can use WiFi in the ICE free of charge.