THE TRANSPORT REVOLUTION

From hyper-fast trains to flying taxis, we look at the vehicles that are set to transform how we get around

- ANDY RIDGWAY

GOING LOOPY

HYPERLOOP

There’s been a lot of hype, but this sleek capsule, built by California-based Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT), shows that super-fast hyperloop travel is on its way, promising speeds of up to 1,223km/h for city-to-city travel – faster than a commercial jet.

The full-scale, 30m capsule is being prepared for testing at HyperloopTT’s 320m test track in Toulouse, France. If all goes well, the first passenger trials will take place next year, with the aim of having the first commercial system up and running by 2022, probably in Abu Dhabi. Hyperloop capsules will reach their high speeds by gliding through sealed tubes from which most of the air has been removed by vacuum pumps, reducing drag. The capsules are levitated just above the track using magnets, reducing friction, and powered by a ‘linear induction motor’ that also uses magnetic forces.

The Hyperloop has been hailed as the first new mode of transportation in over 100 years, but there are still significant technological challenges to overcome, such as the complexity of maintaining the vacuum in the tubes over such long distances. Nevertheless, plenty of engineering brainpower is being invested, and companies – including Virgin Hyperloop One, Hardt Hyperloop and TransPod – are all working on their own systems.

HELLO VERA

VOLVO VERA TRUCK

Lorries of the future may be barely recognisable from the ones pounding up and down motorways today. Say hello to Volvo’s self-driving truck, Vera, which does away with a driver’s cab entirely.