Speed of flight sustainable train travel is on the horizon thanks to hyperloop technologies.
Talked of as the fifth means of transport, it is a system where people travel in levitated pods at speeds of 700mph. The pods move through low-pressure tubes using minimal energy and creating zero direct emissions. A properly integrated European Hyperloop network could cut an estimated 7 million tonnes of GHG emissions annually.
We have been writing about some of the key milestone developments in the journey of this transportation game changer for five years. It is exciting to write about because it is one of those innovations that comes with a big slice of science fiction attached. But it is all real. Since 2015, there have been successful early trials; the establishment of a new cargo company aiming to move products, including fresh food and medical supplies, at 1000 km/h; and European hyperloop plans for passengers to board in Amsterdam, stick on a seat belt, and arrive in Maastricht (220km away) 10 minutes later.
Another milestone arrived this week with the announcement by Spain’s Zeleros that it has raised €7M to spearhead the further development of Hyperloop in Europe. The company will use the money to advance its hyperloop vehicle technologies, designed for routes of between 400 and 1,500 kilometers.
David Pistoni, Chief Executive Officer at Zeleros, said: “These new funds will boost a major milestone of developing and demonstrating our technologies in a real environment of operation, bringing Zeleros closer to a multibillion market opportunity to be captured in the next decades.”
Zeleros can now accelerate its mission thanks to the backing of Altran, Grupo Red Eléctrica, and strategic investors including Goldacre Ventures (UK), Road Ventures (Switzerland), Plug and Play (USA), and the Spanish Angels Capital and MBHA.
“For Zeleros it is key to have partners of this relevance and expertise onboard. Their support will accelerate the development of our technologies, unlocking the path towards hyperloop-based routes and corridors in Europe and worldwide,” added David Pistoni.
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