Hardt Hyperloop Sets Speed Record and Demonstrates Lane Switching at European Hyperloop Center

Veendam, 10th of September – Hardt Hyperloop has successfully completed a record-breaking test at the European Hyperloop Center (EHC), reaching a speed of  85 km/h  and performing a  lane switch maneuver, which is a critical feature for scalable hyperloop infrastructure. The success of this test marks a significant step forward in the development of hyperloop technology in Europe and the world. 

Breakthrough Performance 

Within the 420-meter EHC test track, Hardt’s vehicle accelerated at  0.3G, reaching  85 km/h in the first  140 meters, coasting through a  155-meter lane switch, and safely stopping in the final  100 meters. This performance exceeded the vehicle’s design speed of  80 km/h. 

Addressing Hyperloop’s Hurdles 

The hyperloop concept has long been challenged by a few critical technological challenges: networkability, safety, and robustness. Traditional designs struggled with scalable lane-switching mechanisms, reliable system integration & performance, and ensuring safety at high speeds. Hardt’s recent achievements directly address these concerns. 

Key Technological Advancements in Just One Year 

Since the first successful test of Hardt in the EHC last year, Hardt Hyperloop has performed more than 750 test missions, and the following technological improvements have been demonstrated in just one year:  

• Networkability at relevant speeds: The hyperloop lane-switch technology has now been proven at 85 km/h, with no technical barriers to scaling this to 700 km/h. This hyperloop lane-switch is unique since it has zero moving parts in the infrastructure, increasing the reliability and capacity of hyperloop transportation networks.  

• Safety Concept: The test included multiple safety feature improvements, such as a safe magnetic levitation system, therefore reinforcing the safety and reliability of this essential technology.  

• Robustness: Empirical test data confirms mechanical and electromagnetic resilience, enhancing the accuracy of Hardt’s simulation models. This has generated essential know-how to increase the reliability of the essential hyperloop technologies. 

Next to these technical advancements, Hardt has further upgraded its test vehicle by: 

• Reducing hyperloop bogie weight by  45% 

• Increasing thrust by  50% 

• Integrating the magnetic guidance and propulsion systems 

Hardt Hyperloop extends its sincere gratitude to its partners, engineers, and supporters who have contributed to this milestone. Special thanks go to all of Hardt’s investors, the Province of Groningen, the Dutch Ministries of Infrastructure & Water Management and Economic Affairs & Climate, and the European Commission for their continued support.  

Roel van de Pas, Managing Director at Hardt Hyperloop commented: “This milestone proves the capability and growing maturity of our hyperloop traction technologies. Demonstrating lane-switching at these speeds - in this environment - is a major leap from theoretical designs to real-world systems, and a great accelerator for scalable hyperloop implementation worldwide.”

Kees Mark, managing director of the European Hyperloop Center added: “Hardt’s achievement at the European Hyperloop Center is a testament to European innovation and leadership in sustainable transport. We’re proud to be paving the way for a new era of mobility." 

Next Steps Toward Commercial Deployment

The hyperloop roadmap is clear:  

• A  3–5 km demo route  

• Followed by a  30–50 km first operational route  

Interest in hyperloop technology is growing worldwide, with governments and companies exploring its potential to revolutionize long-distance travel: 

• In  Italy, a demo route between  Venice and Padua  has passed the EU tender procedure. 

• In  Germany, the federal coalition agreement includes plans for a hyperloop demo route. 

• In  India, a hyperloop demo route is under consideration. 

• China: Ambitions include a fully operational hyperloop line between Shanghai and Guangzhou by 2035. 

Hyperloop technology offers promising benefits, including lower estimated infrastructure costs compared to high-speed rail, easier spatial integration due to the pre-fabricated modular pipes, and low land usage of the hyperloop infrastructure, and ten times less energy consumption compared to cars or airplanes, providing an energy-efficient solution for the growing transportation needs. 

Watch the full test of our vehicle reaching 85 km/h and completing a lane-switch at the European Hyperloop Center.