Hyperloop:760mph trains-quality future

Hyperloop is a upcoming feature of passenger and freight transportation that propels a pod-like vehicle through a near-vacuum tube at airline speeds. The pods accelerate to cruising speed gradually using a linear electric motor and glide above their track using passive magnetic levitation or air bearings. The tubes can go above ground on columns or underground, eliminating the dangers of grade crossings. It is hoped that the system will be highly energy-efficient, quiet and autonomous. Hyperloop Transportation(HTT) Technologies has revealed how its Elon Musk-inspired bullet train will levitate on a magnetic field as it blasts between stations at the speed of sound. The train will use a technology called passive magnetic levitation which its creators claim is more efficient and safer than the levitation system used by Maglev trains in Japan.

Where Maglev trains require many power stations to be installed along the side of the track, each feeding electricity to copper cables in the track, which become an electromagnet once charged, the Hypertrophy system has a passive magnet on each train carriage and an aluminium track containing loops of wire. This setup is more like a pair of regular magnets, rather than an electromagnet which requires a constant supply of electricity to work.

Bibop Gresta, chief operations officer of Hyperloop Transport Technologies (HTT), explained how this system is better than Meglev. "Utilising a passive levitation system will eliminate the need for power stations along the Hyperloop track, which makes this system the most suitable for the application and will keep construction costs low."

 Criticism

Criticism of Musk’s Hyperloop comes from doubts about the technology and the project's economics. In Musk’s proposal, he estimates the total cost of the project to be roughly $6 billion. Many believe the expected costs are drastically underestimated with the entire project forecasted closer to $100 billion. Despite its optimistic construction costs, the proposed individual fares of $20 per person have also been criticized as impossible. Finally, compared to the California High Speed Rail estimated costs of $68 billion, the Hyperloop’s proposed price tag of $6 billion is dubious.

Costs aside, the technical aspects of the Hyperloop have raised doubts. Speeds over 700 mph would surpass any commercial mode of transportation currently available. These extreme speeds would subject passengers to uncomfortable and frightening forces rendering the system unrideable. What's more, the Hyperloop is capable of carrying just 3,360 passengers each hour (if they can withstand the g-forces). Comparatively, a freeway lane can carry 2,000 cars per hour, a subway transports 36,000 passengers per hour, and the California High Speed Rail is estimated to carry 12,000 passengers per hour. Despite any apparent doubts and pitfalls, though, Elon Musk’s history of innovation adds credibility to the question of whether or not Hyperloop can succeed.