Hyperloop One's XP-1 Passenger Pod Levitates in Its Latest Tests
Traveling to work at over 190 mph may be the future.
After a test run earlier last month, Hyperloop One has successfully tested it XP-1 passenger pod, levitating off the track after reaching speeds of up to 192 mph. The passenger pod traveled for over 300 meters before the brakes rolled the machine to a gradual stop. The XP-1’s speed is considered a slight margin over a Category 1 high-speed rail, which maxes out at 155 mph. Despite this, Hyperloop aims to push the pod’s speed around 750 mph. The XP-1 measures at 8.7 meters long, 2.7 meters tall and 2.4 meters wide, making it narrower than a New York City subway car.
Hyperloop One co-founder Josh Giegel has stated how proud he was of the motor used to power the pod, stating that it was one of the most efficient motors ever built. The only issue behind the motor is to work out how to mass-produce it efficiently. The company is in its second phase, which is demonstrating that its concept is a workable one; its third phase is set to deal with practical issues one may come across while the machine is in use.
Internally, the company is describing this pod test as the culmination of Phase Two, demonstrating to the world that its concept is a workable one. Future tests are set to be carried out in the countries that are interested in the technology in hopes that if approved, the technology can be utilized for a full-scale loop connecting cities.
