If you’re looking for technology with a fast time to market, you can exclude most vehicles and mobility tech. And if you’re waiting for a ride in a hyperloop? Don’t hold your breath.
I’ve been writing about hyperloop tech for nearly ten years. Much of the innovation is happening behind the scenes. It’s partnerships and pathways, rules and regulations, and in the case of tech — it’s most often R&D in stealth mode.
Every so often, a company will send over illustrations or videos made in CGI of what the hyperloop will look like in practice, but there’s not usually all that much to go on.
So, when news hit last month that Virgin Hyperloop was abandoning its effort to be the first people carrier, as well as laying off over 100 staff, I can’t say I was that surprised, having previously ranked the company more for its hype and PR than its actual substance.
From hype to hyperloop fail
In November 2020, Virgin Hyperloop successfully launched a two-seat prototype ridden by two staff members. The hyperloop traveled 500 meters, reaching 172 kilometers per hour within 6.25 seconds.