Elon Musk's Idea of a High-Speed 760mph Levitating Train "Hyperloop" is In The Works

The future of transportation is looking a lot like the ones in the movies with levitating vehicles and electric cars dominating the streets. The Hyperloop Transport Technologies (HTT) is trying to build an ambitious levitating train which can go as fast as 760mph. The futuristic transportation device will be called 'Hyperloop'.

  

According to Business Insider, the company buliding the levitating train just explained how they can make this technology come to life. HTT said they will use a "passive magnetic levitation system" developed by the Lawrence Livermore National Lab. It will basically involve a pod, in a state-of-the-art track which will house the passengers up to the speed of 760mph. 

In 2013, Elon Musk released a paper defining how this technology could work, but later on decided that he will not build the Hyperloop because of Tesla and SpaceX. Now HTT is working to make it a reality.

Both to move and to levitate, Hyperloop will rely on magnetic activity. A 'thrust force' will propel the pod to move and levitate along a secure tube with magnetic tracks and it is then expected to accelerate. The system will be reversed to gradually decrease speed and to stop the train.

Hyperloop is almost similar to a bullet train, but the difference is, this device can levitate.

"Utilizing a passive levitation system will eliminate the need for power stations along the Hyperloop track, which makes this system the most suitable for the application and will keep construction costs low," said Bibop Gresta, COO of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies in an interview with IB Times.

Because of the said technology, the safety of the train is also guaranteed since it won't levitate if it is not moving fast, as levitation begins to happen from 20mph, said HTT. 

"From a safety aspect, the system has huge advantages, levitation occurs purely through movement, therefore if any type of power failure occurs, Hyperloop pods would continue to levitate and only after reaching minimal speeds touch the ground" added Gresta.

The promise of speed and levitation makes this ambitious project of Elon Musk appeal to the public despite detractors saying this might not come into fruition. The company said it can go as fast as 760mph faster than a commercial airline.