Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Vaud School of Business and Engineering (HEIG-VD), Swisspod Technologies, implemented in the LIMITLESS project.

The project team has completed 82 tests to simulate the Hyperloop's journey in a controlled, low-pressure environment of 50 millibars. The longest test was a 11.8 km trip at a maximum speed of 40.7 km/h, equivalent to 141.6 km and 488.2 km/h when scaled up to full scale. This is an important milestone in the development of this type of high-speed maglev train running in a vacuum tube.

During the test, the capsule operated autonomously, using an onboard power source to propel and lift the capsule along the vacuum tube. The team also evaluated key systems for energy consumption, thrust, and controllability at different speed stages.

EPFL's test track is circular in shape, allowing for rapid testing and development of the technologies needed for the Hyperloop. The structure is 40 cm in diameter and 125.6 m in circumference. It is considered a 1:12 scale miniature version of Hyperloop technology.

According to the research team, the success of the test is important for the field of high-speed transportation because it helps demonstrate the basic idea and capabilities of Hyperloop technology in moving quickly and environmentally friendly in the future.

In addition to exploring the practical possibilities and limitations, further testing at EPFL will aim to develop a more efficient version of the Hyperloop’s propulsion and levitation system. These tests will also provide important data to help accelerate its commercial launch.

According to the team, the LIMITLESS project’s innovations have the potential to impact the automotive, rail, aerospace and even subway industries. “We will soon begin testing the first Hyperloop cargo transport product at a larger-scale facility we are building in the US. This is an important step towards the realization of a passenger Hyperloop, which will change the way we connect, work and live,” said Denis Tudor, CEO of Swisspod Technologies.